MRI does not involve hazardous radiation. However, in neonates MR imaging can be challenging with respect to safety, temperature regulation, transportation, and image quality. It requires flexibility, patience, and close communication between neonatal and MR staff. Scan protocols need to be adapted to the immature neonatal brain. Special MR-compatible intensive care incubators facilitate the procedure for patients and staff. If these are not available, ventilation and monitoring equipment needs to be adapted for neonatal MRI and properly sized head coils need to be used.
If the necessary safety precautions are thoroughly followed, imaging is well timed, and appropriately sized head coils and proper scan protocols are used, MRI is a safe procedure and provides invaluable information on brain maturation and injury in (preterm) neonates.
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