Proof of concept: Portable ultra-low-field MRI for the assessment of brain tumors

Abstract Background High-field (HF) MRI is a standard diagnostic tool for brain cancer, but its high cost and technical demands limit accessibility in low- and middle-income countries. Recent advancements in ultra-low field (ULF) MRI technology, including the development of portable scanners, offer a promising solution to these challenges. This study evaluates the diagnostic capabilities of ULF-MRI in detecting brain cancer and compares radiological evaluation using ULF- with HF-MRI. Methods Consecutive patients with suspected or confirmed brain tumors undergoing routine 3T HF-MRI at the University Hospital Bonn were recruited for this study and underwent ULF-MRI. Eligible patients were at least 18 years old and had MRI-abnormalities in the HF-MRI. The 0.064 Tesla Swoop portable MR Imaging System was utilized. HF-MRI and ULF-MRI scans were independently evaluated by two experienced neuroradiologists and results were compared. Results Thirteen patients were recruited, of whom 11 (85%) were diagnosed with brain tumors. In 11/11 (100%) patients with brain tumors, ULF-MRI identified tumor lesions corresponding to the findings of HF-MRI. In 7/11 (63.6%) identification of all tumor lesions could be achieved. Three of four further relevant imaging findings in HF-MRI (e.g. acute hydrocephalus or concomitant ischemia) were also found in in ULF-MRI. Conclusion This single-center study demonstrates that ULF-MRI is a practical tool in neuro-oncology, which may particularly be helpful in resource-limited settings. Further research is required to define the role of ULF-MRI alongside existing imaging modalities for brain cancer diagnosis and management.