Can Neonatal Brain MRI be Performed during Active Cooling?

OBJECTIVE: Due to logistical constraints, physicians traditionally delay diagnostic imaging for neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) until the neonate has completed all 72 hours of therapeutic hypothermia and rewarming. In some cases, neonates may require neuroimaging before 72 hours has passed. STUDY DESIGN: We present a case in which an MRI was acquired during active hypothermia. RESULTS: Upon return to the NICU, Baby X's temperature probe read 33.6 degrees, indicating that hypothermia was likely maintained at the target temperature. CONCLUSION: Active hypothermia is possible during MRI.