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Non-invasive Optical Measurement of Cerebral Metabolism and Hemodynamics in Infants
Published on: March 14, 2013
Method for performing cerebral perfusion-weighted MRI in neonates.
Tarek Laswad1, Pia Wintermark, Leonor Alamo
1Radiology Department, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV) and University of Lausanne, 1011, Lausanne, Switzerland. tarek_laswed@yahoo.com
Pediatric Radiology
|December 24, 2008
Summary
Cerebral perfusion-weighted imaging (PWI) is now feasible in newborns. A new manual injection technique using gadolinium contrast material allows for quick and reproducible PWI in neonates, aiding in the diagnosis of brain pathologies.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal imaging
- Neuroimaging
- Pediatric radiology
Background:
- Cerebral perfusion-weighted imaging (PWI) is challenging in neonates.
- Limited studies exist on PWI in preterm infants.
- Accurate PWI is crucial for diagnosing neonatal brain conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a convenient method for performing PWI in neonates.
- To evaluate the feasibility and reproducibility of this technique.
- To assess PWI's utility in infants with various brain pathologies.
Main Methods:
- A novel device for manual intravenous injection of gadolinium contrast material was employed.
- The technique was tested in 28 neonates of varying gestational ages and weights.
- Signal intensity-time curves were generated to create perfusion maps.
Main Results:
- The manual injection method proved to be easy, quick, and reproducible.
- Cerebral PWI was successfully performed across diverse neonatal cases.
- Perfusion maps were generated, enabling visualization of cerebral blood flow.
Conclusions:
- Cerebral PWI is technically feasible and reproducible in neonates.
- This manual contrast injection technique facilitates PWI in this population.
- The method aids in evaluating brain pathologies in neonates of all gestational ages.
