Jerry Chung Lee MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Leena M. Ketonen MD, PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Per-Lennart Alwe Westesson MD, PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Demonstrate the MRI imaging findings of normal central nervous system myelination starting from the fetus and ending with a normal pattern in a 7 year old.

MR imaging studies suggest that white matter myelination can be considered as an indicator of functional brain maturation. We will present a pictorial atlas presentation of normal CNS myelination utilizing T1-, T2- and diffusion-weighted MRI. The pattern of progression of CNS myelination will be discussed and the role of imaging.

1. CNS myelination progresses from caudal to cephalad and from dorsal to ventral in a predictable pattern by MRI. 2. Myelination begins during the early fetal age and continues to 7 years of age. 3. Myelinated white matter will appear as increased signal intensity on T1-weighted images and as decreased signal intensity on T2-weighted images. 4. Before the age of 6 months, T1-weighted images are more sensitive to the detection of myelination changes than T2-weighted images.

Lee, J, Ketonen, L, Westesson, P, Chronological Imaging Atlas of Normal Myelination.  Radiological Society of North America 2008 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, February 18 - February 20, 2008 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2008/6018857.html