Craniofacial Imaging with 3D MRI: an alternative to ionising radiation
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Craniofacial Imaging with 3D MRI: an alternative to ionising radiation
IRAS ID
244497
Contact name
Karen Eley
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust & University of Cambridge
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 4 months, 0 days
Research summary
Craniosynostosis is a condition where infants are born with or subsequently develop an abnormally shaped skull. The skull develops from plates of bone separated from each other by growth lines (sutures). Craniosynostosis refers to an early fusion of one or more of these sutures.
Whilst in many cases the abnormal head shape provides doctors with the underlying diagnosis, it is necessary to confirm this using imaging. A CT scan involves using multiple x-rays to build a picture of the part of the body being examined. X-rays are associated with potential long term harm, particularly in young children who have longer to incur those risks.
MRI uses magnets and radiowaves to create images of the body, and therefore a radiation-free method of imaging. We have previously shown in a pilot group that a specific MRI technique ("Black Bone") can distinguish between normal and prematurely fused cranial sutures, and that the images can be reconstructed in 3D in the same way as CT.
We now need to confirm the findings in a larger patient group, and develop automated methods of creating 3D images of the bone.
In some cases our specific imaging sequences will be obtained as part of routine clinical examination. For these cases, we will use the anonymised MRI images for our study. In others who are already having an MRI we will prolong the examination slightly to obtain the sequences. In the final group of patients who are not having MRI, this will be an additional examination for the purpose of the study.
There are no known long term risks associated with MRI, and no contrast medium is required.
REC name
Wales REC 7
REC reference
18/WA/0155
Date of REC Opinion
27 Apr 2018
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion