MR imaging of the term and preterm neonate with diffuse brain injury

Both term and preterm neonates suffer from diffuse brain injury. Global hypoxic-ischemic injury (HII) describes the diffuse brain injury most common in term neonates. HII is thought to result from decreases in blood flow and oxygen supply. Diffuse white matter injury of prematurity describes the most common diffuse brain injury in preterm neonates. The cause is likely multifactorial. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is the most sensitive imaging technique for early diagnosis of brain injury in neonates. This article discusses neonatal diffuse brain injury, the role of MR imaging in predicting neurodevelopmental outcome, and research results using MR imaging techniques.