Initial Experience Using 0.55T MRI for Detection of Liver Metastases in NET Patients

Motivation: As assessment of liver metastases requires multiple imaging modalities, it is essential to compare diagnostic capabilities and patient experiences of the low-cost 0.55T MRI to conventional imaging techniques. Goal(s): We analyzed the sensitivity for neuroendocrine tumor metastases detection of gadoxetate-enhanced 0.55T MRI to 68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT and 3.0T MRI while evaluating patient experienceApproach: Patients were imaged on 0.55T MRI with 68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT and/or 3.0T MRI for comparison. Sound pressure levels (SPLmax) were compared between 0.55T and 3.0T. Results: Hepatobiliary phase imaging at 0.55T showed increased detection rates over 68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT. SPLmax of 0.55T was significantly lower. Patients found the 0.55T MRI less stressful. Impact: Routine imaging of patients with neuroendocrine tumor metastases is feasible at 0.55T MRI. Low-field MR imaging has the potential to improve patient experience and accessibility without sacrificing diagnostic capability.