Feasibility of ultra-low-field MRI scans on neuro-intensive care unit and stroke-unit

Purpose: MRI diagnostics for patients with neurological pathologies and advanced monitoring or intensive care therapy are crucial to guide therapy. We aimed to examine the safety of ultra-low-field (ULF; 0.064 T) portable magnetic resonance imaging (pMRI) for stroke-unit and neuro-intensive care patients. Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of a tertiary hospital with neuro-intensive care and stroke-unit between May and August 2025. 93 patients received 95 scans for different pathologies: ischemic stroke (78%), hemorrhagic stroke (15%), meningoencephalitis/encephalitis 2%) and other conditions (5%). A total of 24 scans (25%) were performed on intubated patients (Study Group 1, n =24 scan). This group was compared to scans performed on non-intubated but surveilled patients (Study Group 2, n =71 scan) in a univariate analysis assessing the completion of ULF-pMRI scans. Image quality was assessed by two trained neuroradiologists using the five-point Likert scale. Results: ULF-pMRI scans were successfully completed in all intubated patients (100%) and in 87.3% of non-intubated/ventilated patients (p = 0.063), with sufficient image quality in 91.7% and 88.6%, respectively (p = 0.582). Patient repositioning was required in 33.3% vs. 21.1% (p = 0.175). No procedure-related complications occurred. Conclusion: ULF-pMRI is feasible in critically ill patients in neuro-intensive care who demand prolonged surveillance.