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Updated: Sep 6, 2025
Preterm EEG: A Multimodal Neurophysiological Protocol
Published on: February 18, 2012
Routine Use of Cerebral Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Infants Born Extremely Preterm
Julia Buchmayer1, Gregor Kasprian2, Vito Giordano1
1Comprehensive Center for Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Division of Neonatology, Pediatric Intensive Care and Neuropediatrics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
Objective:
To describe cerebral abnormalities and their risk factors in a contemporary cohort of infants born extremely premature after the introduction of routine cerebral magnetic resonance imaging (cMRI) at term-equivalent age.
Study Design:
All cMRI examinations performed during November 2017 and November 2020, based on a standardized neonatal cMRI protocol, were included into analysis. Pathologies were retrospectively classified into 3 categories: intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), white matter disease, and cerebellar injuries.
Results:
A total of 198 cMRI examinations were available for analyses; 93 (47%) showed abnormalities, most frequently IVH (n = 65, 33%), followed by cerebellar injuries (n = 41, 21%), and white matter disease (n = 28, 14%). Severe abnormalities were found in 18% of patients (n = 36). Significant clinical risk factors for abnormalities on cMRI were lower Apgar scores, lower umbilical artery and first neonatal pH, asphyxia, blood culture-proven sepsis (especially late-onset), and prolonged need of respiratory support and supplemental oxygen.
Conclusions:
After routine cMRI, without preconfirmed pathology by cranial ultrasonography, low-grade IVH, noncystic white matter disease, and cerebellar injuries were the most frequently found abnormalities. The clinical value and long-term benefit of the detection of these low-grade pathologies have yet to be confirmed.
