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Updated: Jul 2, 2026
Scanning Dos and Don'ts: Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Awake Children Aged 3 to 5 Years to Assess Brain Structure and Function
Published on: March 10, 2026
Magnetic resonance imaging and developmental outcome following preterm birth: review of current evidence
Anthony R Hart1, Elspeth W Whitby, Paul D Griffiths
1Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Jessop Wing, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Sheffield, UK. t.hart@doctors.org.uk
Insights
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) helps detect brain damage in preterm infants, aiding prognostication and early intervention. While cystic white matter damage is linked to motor issues, its impact on cognitive development requires further study.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal neurology
- Neuroimaging
- Developmental pediatrics
Background:
- Preterm birth is a significant risk factor for neurodevelopmental challenges.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a key tool for assessing brain injury in neonates.
- Traditional MRI markers like cystic periventricular white matter damage have limitations in predicting cognitive outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current evidence correlating MRI findings with developmental outcomes in preterm infants.
- To explore the utility of conventional and advanced MRI techniques in identifying diffuse white matter damage.
- To suggest potential clinical indications for using MRI in the management of preterm infants.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on MRI findings and developmental assessments in preterm infants.
- Analysis of studies investigating both focal (cystic) and diffuse white matter damage.
- Examination of volumetric and growth rate measurements of various brain structures.
Main Results:
- Cystic periventricular white matter damage on MRI does not always predict impaired cognitive development.
- The correlation between diffuse periventricular white matter damage and developmental outcome is still unclear.
- Alterations in brain region sizes and growth rates are observed but lack sufficient evidence for clinical use.
Conclusions:
- MRI is valuable for identifying brain injury in preterm infants, aiding prognostication and therapeutic planning.
- Further research is needed to clarify the relationship between diffuse white matter abnormalities and neurodevelopmental trajectories.
- Establishing clear clinical indications for MRI use in preterm infants is crucial for optimizing care.
Abstract:
Preterm birth is associated with an increased risk of developmental difficulties. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is increasingly being used to identify damage to the brain following preterm birth. It is hoped this information will aid prognostication and identify neonates who would benefit from early therapeutic intervention. Cystic periventricular white matter damage has traditionally been associated with abnormal motor developmental and cerebral palsy, but its presence on MRI does not preclude normal cognitive development. This has led to increasing interest in the identification of diffuse periventricular white matter damage with conventional and sophisticated MRI. However, the correlation between these appearances and developmental outcome remains unclear. Measurements of the size, volumes, and growth rates of many regions of the brain, such as the corpus callosum, ventricular system, cortex, deep grey matter, and cerebellum, are all also altered following preterm birth, but there is insufficient evidence to use this data in the clinical setting. This article is a review of the current evidence on MRI and developmental outcome, suggesting possible indications for the use of MRI following preterm birth.
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