Utilization of an ultra-low-field, portable magnetic resonance imaging for brain tumor assessment in lower middle-income countries

Surg Neurol Int. 2023 Jul 28:14:260. doi: 10.25259/SNI_123_2023. eCollection 2023.

Abstract

Background: Access to neuroimaging is limited in low-middle-income countries (LMICs) due to financial and resource constraints. A new, ultra-low-field, low-cost, and portable magnetic resonance imaging (pMRI) device could potentially increase access to imaging in LMICs.

Case description: We have presented the first brain tumor case scanned using an Ultra-low-field pMRI at Aga Khan University Hospital in Karachi, Pakistan.

Conclusion: The imaging results suggest that the pMRI device can aid in neuroradiological diagnosis in resource-constrained settings. Further, research is needed to assess its compatibility for imaging other neurological disorders and compare its results with conventional MRI results.

Keywords: Brain tumors; Low-middle-income countries; Neuroimaging; Point-of-care; Portable magnetic resonance imaging; Ultra-low-field magnetic resonance imaging.

Publication types

  • Case Reports