Superficial Siderosis after Germinal Matrix Hemorrhage

Area of Science:

• Neonatal neurology
• Pediatric radiology
• Neuroimaging

Background:

• Germinal matrix hemorrhage (GMH) is a common complication in premature infants.
• GMH can lead to adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes.
• Superficial siderosis is an MR imaging finding associated with GMH, parenchymal damage, and hydrocephalus.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence of superficial siderosis in patients with a history of germinal matrix hemorrhage.
• To determine the location of superficial siderosis in these patients.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of MR imaging in patients with GMH history (2008-2016).
• Evaluation for presence and location of superficial siderosis.
• Assessment of subependymal siderosis and hydrocephalus.

Main Results:

• 67.6% prevalence of superficial siderosis in 37 patients with GMH history (86.5% preterm).
• Significantly higher prevalence when MR imaging performed within the first year of life (82.8% vs 12.5%).
• Infratentorial location in all cases; supratentorial in 27%.

Conclusions:

• Superficial siderosis is a common MR imaging finding in the first year of life for infants with GMH.
• Prevalence decreases significantly after the first year.
• Further prospective studies on its severity and dissolution may clarify neurodevelopmental impairment pathophysiology.