Abstract

Radiological assessment of white matter injury in very preterm infants

Author(s): Francisca T de Bruine and Gerda van Wezel-Meijler

Despite improvements in neonatal care, infants born very prematurely who survive the neonatal period are still at risk of neurodevelopmental disabilities. One of the main determinants for a poorer outcome seems to be damage to the cerebral white matter, which frequently occurs during the perinatal period. This article summarizes the radiological assessment of white matter injury in very preterm infants, striving to aid clinicians who provide parents and care takers with prognostic information on the development of their preterm born infants. As the expertise of radiologists in assessing neonatal brain MRI may vary widely amongst centers, we also strive to provide radiologists with information on imaging findings of white matter injury.