Intracranial Imaging of Preterm Infants with Suspected Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy: Comparing MRI and Ultrasound

Title:Intracranial Imaging of Preterm Infants with Suspected Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy: Comparing MRI and Ultrasound

Volume: 19 Issue: 2

Author(s): Simon S. Ho*, Yujia Zhou and Dhanashree Rajderkar

Affiliation:

• Department of Radiology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville FL, USA

Keywords: Hypoxic ischemic injury, neonatal low birth weight, MRI, ultrasound, germinal matrix hemorrhage, hydrocephalus.

Abstract:

Aims: We correlate ultrasound, MRI, and clinical findings in neonates with suspected hypoxic ischemic injury.

Background: Recent advances in neuroimaging have led to improved detection of subtle insults associated with neurodevelopmental outcomes, beyond more historically described lesions such as large hemorrhages and hydrocephalus.

Objective: In this study, we compare cranial ultrasound to MRI for the evaluation of suspected HIE in preterm infants.

Methods: 147 premature infant patients with paired ultrasound and MRI exams were retrospectively analyzed to compare imaging finding accuracy and clinical value.

Result: We confirm that ultrasound is highly sensitive and specific for hydrocephalus, ventricular prominence, and gross structural abnormalities. Ultrasound is not a substitute for MRI in cases of small hemorrhages or white matter injury, however, certain US findings were associated with Apgar score and MRI sequelae of HIE.

Conclusion: Choosing between ultrasound and MRI for preterm neonates at risk for intracranial abnormalities based on their strengths can reduce cost and maximize clinical utility. MRI provides a highly sensitive identification of subtle brain injury, yet ultrasound is correlated with the peripartum clinical picture as measured by Apgar score.

Cite this article as:

Ho S. Simon*, Zhou Yujia and Rajderkar Dhanashree, Intracranial Imaging of Preterm Infants with Suspected Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy: Comparing MRI and Ultrasound, Current Pediatric Reviews 2023; 19(2) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1573396318666220417233146