New mobile low-field MRI scanner inches closer to increasing imaging access in rural communities

Experts are on the cusp of breaking access barriers with the development of mobile magnetic resonance imaging.  

A new study published in Scientific Reports details the creation of a modified cargo van that offers diagnostic quality mobile MRI exams in historically low access areas. Experts used phantom scans and in vivo T2-weighted neuroimaging data to compare the mobile system to similar static systems in a laboratory setting and found no significant differences in distortion, signal-to-noise ratio or tissue segmentation outcomes. 

Though some forms of mobile MRI have been operating for many years, these systems are still typically quite large (necessitating transportation via 18-wheeler), require the availability of high weight-capacity roadways, level ground and specially installed 480 V 3-phase electrical supplies. Their use, though beneficial, is limited to areas near hospitals, outpatient clinics and other similar locations, which leaves patients in rural areas subject to traveling to obtain their imaging exams. 

“Within the context of neuroimaging research, the increasing infrastructural needs of MRI contrasts [contrast] with the broader trends in public health research towards lower cost and accessible data collection using wearable and non-invasive technologies,” corresponding author Sean C. L. Deoni, with the Department of Diagnostic Radiology at Warren Alpert Medical School at Brown University, and co-authors explained. “The centralization of high-end imaging systems to major cities and urban settings means that participating individuals and families are often skewed towards higher education and socioeconomic demographics, and lack inclusion of rural participants and/or those with mobility and transportation challenges, or families with school, daycare, work or other time commitments that preclude attendance at lengthy study visits.”