A diffusion-weighted template for gestational age-related apparent diffusion coefficient values in the developing...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Radiology
• Developmental Biology

Background:

• Fetal brain development is complex and requires accurate assessment methods.
• Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) offers insights into tissue microstructure.
• Establishing normative data for fetal brain development is crucial for identifying abnormalities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish normative apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values in the developing fetal brain using DWI-MRI.
• To create a template for normal brain development throughout gestation (17-37 weeks).
• To correlate ADC values with gestational age in various fetal brain regions.

Main Methods:

• Prospective study of 46 fetuses without suspected brain pathology.
• DWI-MRI was performed, and ADC values were calculated for basal ganglia, cerebellum, frontal, and occipital parenchyma.
• Linear regression analysis assessed the relationship between gestational age and ADC values.

Main Results:

• Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) b0 values decreased with gestational age in all examined brain regions.
• Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) average values increased in frontal and occipital parenchyma but not in basal ganglia.
• ADC low values showed negative correlation with gestational age in cerebellum and basal ganglia, while ADC high values correlated positively in frontal, occipital, and basal ganglia regions.

Conclusions:

• Normative ADC values in the fetal brain demonstrate distinct patterns of change throughout gestation.
• These findings provide a reference for normal fetal brain development assessed by DWI-MRI.
• Further research is needed to determine the utility of these measurements in fetuses with suspected brain anomalies.