Magnetic resonance imaging in neonatal stroke.

Area of Science:

• Neonatal neurology
• Pediatric radiology
• Neuroimaging

Background:

• Neonatal stroke incidence is higher than in childhood, potentially due to improved detection methods.
• Advances in neuroimaging, particularly magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), have increased diagnostic capabilities for neonatal stroke.
• Availability of MR-compatible incubators and specialized MRI systems in neonatal intensive care units facilitates imaging.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) modalities used for detecting neonatal stroke.
• To highlight how advanced MRI techniques improve the visualization and quantification of neonatal stroke and hypoxic-ischemic injury.

Main Methods:

• Review of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques including T2-, diffusion-, and susceptibility-weighted imaging.
• Discussion of the role of routine fetal ultrasound and postnatal cranial sonography in detection.
• Focus on neuroimaging modalities applicable in neonatal intensive care units.

Main Results:

• Various MRI sequences offer enhanced visualization and quantification of neonatal brain injury.
• Routine ultrasound and sonography contribute to higher detection rates of perinatal stroke.
• MR neuroimaging is crucial for accurate diagnosis and assessment of neonatal stroke.

Conclusions:

• Advanced MRI techniques are essential tools for the detection and characterization of neonatal stroke.
• Improved accessibility and specialized techniques in MRI enhance the diagnosis of hypoxic-ischemic injury in infants.
• This review emphasizes the clinical utility of MR neuroimaging in managing neonatal stroke.