Advanced neuroimaging techniques for the term newborn with encephalopathy

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Medical Imaging
• Pediatrics

Background:

• Neonatal encephalopathy (NE) poses significant risks for mortality and long-term neurodevelopmental disabilities.
• Conventional and advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are vital tools in managing and researching NE.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline the role of conventional and advanced MRI in understanding NE.
• To highlight how MRI patterns correlate with risk factors, clinical presentation, and outcomes in NE.
• To emphasize the potential of advanced MRI for early identification of at-risk infants.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing conventional MRI to define characteristic injury patterns in NE.
• Applying advanced MRI techniques, including magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI).
• Analyzing MRI findings in contemporary NE cohorts to identify correlations with clinical data and outcomes.

Main Results:

• Established MRI injury patterns aid in distinguishing NE risk factors, clinical presentation, and outcome risks.
• Advanced MRI techniques provide insights into neonatal brain metabolism, microstructure, and connectivity.
• Evidence suggests brain injury in NE often occurs around birth and evolves over early life.

Conclusions:

• Advanced MRI techniques are crucial for understanding the timing and evolution of brain injury in NE.
• These imaging modalities complement findings from neuroprotective strategies like hypothermia.
• Early identification of NE-related neurodevelopmental impairment via advanced MRI can facilitate timely rehabilitation and support.