Abstract:
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Purpose: We aimed to compare the cranial ultrasound and MRI findings in a group of preterm very low birth weight babies.
Methods and Materials: We retrospectively reviewed the imaging findings in a group of 42 babies, all of whom were premature (<34 weeks gestation), and of low birth weight (<1500g). All patients underwent cranial ultrasound within 72 hrs of birth and at regular intervals subsequently. MRI scans (axial T2, axial T1 inversion recovery, sagittal T1 and diffusion sequences) were performed at term. In addition the anteroposterior(AP) diameter of the pons and medulla were measured, as well as cerebellar dimensions to assess for atrophy. The pons and medulla were measured on midline sagittal T1 images, and the cerebellar measurements were taken from a combination of axial and sagittal images.
Results: Of 42 babies, 27(64%) had both normal MRI and ultrasound scans. Similar abnormal findings were seen on MR and US in 7 patients (17%). There were additional findings in two children (5%) on U/S. In one child a small residual subependymal haemorrhage was noted. There was an incidental finding of a tiny right choroidal cyst in a second infant. Additional findings were seen on MR compared with ultraound in six patients (14%). One infant had unilateral abnormal echogenicity in the cerebellum on US while MR showed bilateral cerebellar atrophy. One patient was noted to have intraventricular blood on MR. One had an area of abnormal signal in the periventricular white matter, another in the head of the caudate nucleus. Absence of myelination of the posterior limb of the internal capsules was seen in one infant. In one child MRI showed significant deep white matter volume loss in the posterior cerebral hemispheres bilaterally that had not been detected on ultrasound.
Conclusion: Our study showed an agreement rate of 81% between both modalities. Cranial ultrasound compares well with MR at term for detecting significant intracranial pathology in preterm babies.
Given MD, M,
Is MRI at Term of Value in Preterm Infants?. Radiological Society of North America 2003 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 30 - December 5, 2003 ,Chicago IL.
http://archive.rsna.org/2003/3107195.html
