Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Infants

Jeffrey J Neil; Christopher D Smyser

doi:10.1016/j.mric.2021.01.004

Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Infants

Magn Reson Imaging Clin N Am. 2021 May;29(2):185-193. doi: 10.1016/j.mric.2021.01.004.

Authors

Jeffrey J Neil¹, Christopher D Smyser²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, Campus Box 8111, St Louis, MO 63110-1093, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, Campus Box 8116, St Louis, MO 63110-1093, USA; Department of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, Campus Box 8131, St Louis, MO 63110-1093, USA.
² Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, Campus Box 8111, St Louis, MO 63110-1093, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, Campus Box 8116, St Louis, MO 63110-1093, USA; Department of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, Campus Box 8131, St Louis, MO 63110-1093, USA. Electronic address: smyserc@wustl.edu.

PMID: 33902902
DOI: 10.1016/j.mric.2021.01.004

Abstract

Diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) offers a wealth of information regarding the neonatal brain. Diffusion anisotropy values reflect changes in the microstructure that accompany early maturation of white and gray matter. In term neonates with neonatal encephalopathy, diffusion imaging provides a useful means of assessing brain injury during the first week of life. In preterm neonates, measures of white matter anisotropy provide information on the nature and extent of white matter disruption. Subsequently, diffusion MRI plays an important role in illuminating fundamental elements of brain development and fulfilling the clinical need to develop prognostic indicators for term and preterm infants.

Keywords: Brain development; Diffusion imaging; MRI; Neonate; Preterm.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Diffusion Tensor Imaging
Humans
Infant
Infant, Newborn
Infant, Premature*
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
White Matter*

Grants and funding

K02 NS089852/NS/NINDS NIH HHS/United States