The Value of Microvascular Imaging for Quantitative Assessment of the Normal Neonatal Brain

To investigate the efficacy of microvascular imaging (MI) in assessing cerebral microblood flow in neonates, analyze associated factors, and evaluate its reliability.

This retrospective study enrolled neonates with normal brain conditions between August 2022 and October 2023. MI was used to detect microvascular blood flow in the frontal cortex, white matter and basal ganglia, and the vascular index (VI) was calculated. Differences in VI between different gestational ages and sites were compared, and the factors affecting the VI and its reliability were analyzed as well.

A total of 120 neonates (extremely preterm [n = 31, 30.49 ± 1.08 weeks], preterm [n = 41, 34.73 ± 1.59 weeks], and full-term [n = 48, 40.02 ± 1.57 weeks]) were included. The VI in different gestational ages decreased progressively from full-term to preterm and extremely preterm groups (p < 0.05). The VI of brain sites demonstrated an ascending pattern: basal ganglia, cortex, and white matter (p < 0.05). A statistically significant positive correlation was observed between VI and gestational age, birth weight, and head circumference (p < 0.05). Good intra- and intergroup agreement was found for VI in the cortex, white matter, and basal ganglia.

MI can estimate cerebral microblood flow in newborns, helping to assess neonatal cerebral development.