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Updated: May 26, 2026

State of the Art Cranial Ultrasound Imaging in Neonates
Published on: February 2, 2015
Common lesions in the newborn brain
Terrie E Inder1, Joshua Tao, Jeffrey J Neil
1Departments of Pediatrics, Neurology, and Radiology, Washington University in St Louis, MO 63105, USA. inder_t@kids.wustl.edu
Insights
Magnetic resonance imaging reveals distinct infant injury patterns. These patterns differ based on infant maturity, aiding diagnosis in both term and preterm infants.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Neonatal Imaging
- Pediatric Radiology
Background:
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is increasingly utilized in neonatal care.
- Recognizing specific injury patterns in infants is crucial for diagnosis and management.
- Infant injury patterns are influenced by developmental maturity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and outline the major patterns of brain abnormalities in infants.
- To differentiate injury patterns based on gestational age and maturity.
- To provide a comprehensive overview for clinicians using MRI in neonates.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies utilizing magnetic resonance imaging in term and preterm infants.
- Analysis of established injury patterns described in scientific literature.
- Categorization of abnormalities according to infant maturity.
Main Results:
- Established recognition of diverse MRI-defined injury patterns in infants.
- Demonstration that injury patterns correlate with the infant's level of immaturity.
- Identification of key differences in abnormalities between term and preterm infants.
Conclusions:
- MRI is essential for identifying and characterizing neonatal brain injuries.
- Understanding the impact of immaturity on injury patterns improves diagnostic accuracy.
- This review synthesizes current knowledge on MRI findings in immature infants.
Abstract:
With the wider use of magnetic resonance imaging, the recognition of different patterns of injury has become established. These patterns vary in relation to the level of immaturity of the infant. This review will outline the major patterns of abnormality that are found in the term born and preterm infant.
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