Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 17, 2026
Non-invasive Optical Measurement of Cerebral Metabolism and Hemodynamics in Infants
Published on: March 14, 2013
Chemical shift imaging and localised magnetic resonance spectroscopy in full-term asphyxiated neonates
Olivier Brissaud1, Jean-François Chateil, Martine Bordessoules
1Paediatric Intensive Care Unit, Children's Hospital, Place Amélie Raba Léon, Bordeaux 33076, France. olivier.brissaud@chu-bordeaux.fr
Background:
Diagnosis of brain lesions after birth anoxia-ischemia is essential for appropriate management. Clinical evaluation is not sufficient. MRI has been proven to provide useful information.
Objective:
To compare abnormalities observed with MRI, including diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), localised magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) and chemical shift imaging (CSI) and correlate these findings with the clinical outcome.
Materials And Methods:
Fourteen full-term neonates with birth asphyxia were studied. MRI, MRS and CSI were performed within the first 4 days of life.
Results:
Lesions observed with DWI were correlated with outcome, but the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) did improve diagnostic confidence. The mean value of Lac/Cr for the neonates with a favourable outcome was statically lower than for those who died (0.22 vs 1.04; P = 0.01). The same results were observed for the Lac/NAA ratio (0.21 vs 1.23; P = 0.01). Data obtained with localised MRS and CSI were correlated for the ratio N-acetyl-aspartate/choline, but not for the other metabolites. No correlation was found between the ADC values and the metabolite ratios.
Conclusions:
Combination of these techniques could be helpful in our understanding of the physiopathological events occurring in neonates with asphyxia.
