Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 9, 2025
Early Pathological and Magnetic Resonance Detection of Cerebral Injury Using a Rat Model of Neonatal Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy
Published on: October 28, 2022
Quantifying myelin in neonates using magnetic resonance imaging: a systematic literature review
Nabila Hanem Arshad1,2, Hasyma Abu Hassan1, Nur Farhayu Omar1
1Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia.
Abstract:
This review aimed to assess the usefulness of various magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques for the quantification of neonatal white matter myelination. The Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science databases were searched to identify studies following the PRISMA (preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses) statement using quantitative MRI techniques to examine samples collected from neonates to quantify myelin. Twelve studies were ultimately included. The results demonstrated that in validation studies, relaxometry is the most frequently explored approach (83.33%), followed by magnetization transfer imaging (8.33%) and a new automatic segmentation technique (8.33%). Synthetic MRI is recommended for quantifying myelin in neonates because of several advantages that outweigh a few negligible limitations.
Insights
Synthetic MRI is recommended for quantifying neonatal white matter myelination. This advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique offers advantages over other methods for assessing myelin development in newborns.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Biomedical Engineering
- Pediatric Radiology
Background:
- Neonatal white matter myelination is crucial for neurodevelopment.
- Accurate quantification of myelin is essential for diagnosing and monitoring neurological conditions.
- Various quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques exist, but their utility in neonates requires assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and evaluate quantitative MRI techniques for neonatal white matter myelination quantification.
- To identify the most effective MRI methods for assessing myelin in newborns.
- To provide recommendations for future research and clinical practice.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature search was conducted across Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science databases.
- Studies were selected based on the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) statement.
- Included studies utilized quantitative MRI techniques to measure myelin in neonatal samples.
Main Results:
- Twelve studies met the inclusion criteria.
- Relaxometry was the most frequently validated MRI approach (83.33%) for myelin quantification in neonates.
- Magnetization transfer imaging (8.33%) and a novel automatic segmentation technique (8.33%) were also explored.
Conclusions:
- Synthetic MRI is a promising technique for quantifying neonatal white matter myelination.
- Its advantages, including accuracy and efficiency, surpass its minor limitations.
- Further validation and application of Synthetic MRI are recommended for neonatal neuroimaging.
