Corpus callosum development in preterm and term infants

The development of the corpus callosum was documented by magnetic resonance imaging in low-risk preterm infants and results were compared with those of term infants. Thirty-three magnetic resonance imaging studies were performed on 21 preterm infants whose corrected ages were 1-13 months. Twenty-one magnetic resonance imaging studies were performed on 17 term infants. All infants exhibited normal development. The thickness of the corpus callosum was measured at a point one-third of the length of the entire corpus callosum from the most anterior aspect of the genu. The thickening of the corpus callosum was related to age in the preterm group. The development of the corpus callosum in preterm infants was suggested to be the same as that of term infants matched by conceptional age.