Feasibility of Multi-Site Structural and Functional Pulmonary MRI in Non-Sedated Infants Born Extremely Preterm

Motivation: Ultrashort echo time (UTE) and Phase-resolved functional lung (PREFUL) MRI hold promise for pulmonary structure, ventilation, and perfusion evaluation in preterm infants but have not been evaluated across multiple sites. Goal(s): To demonstrate UTE/PREFUL MRI feasibility across multiple sites in extremely preterm infants, without need for exogenous contrast agents or sedation. Approach: Across four sites, infants born <29 weeks gestation were scanned with UTE and PREFUL MRI at corrected gestational ages of 36-44 weeks. UTE score, ventilation and perfusion defect percent (VDP and QDP) were evaluated. Results: 25 participants were recruited and scanned. Elevated UTE scores, VDP, and QDP were observed. Impact: Across multiple sites, UTE and PREFUL MRI is feasible in non-sedated infants born <29 weeks and sensitive to structural, ventilation, and perfusion abnormalities in this population.