The role of magnetic resonance imaging with diffusion tensor imaging in the evaluation of neurodevelopment in preterm infants
The role of magnetic resonance imaging with diffusion tensor imaging in the evaluation of neurodevelopment in preterm infants

The role of magnetic resonance imaging with diffusion tensor imaging in the evaluation of neurodevelopment in preterm infants

Medicine (Baltimore). 2025 Aug 1;104(31):e43482. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000043482.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: This study analyzes the role of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) in evaluating neurodevelopment in preterm infants (PTIs).

METHODS: A total of 107 PTIs born from October 2021 to May 2023 completed MRI + DTI. The diagnostic value of the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) of the frontal white matter region for brain white matter injury (WMI) was analyzed. The Gesell Developmental Scale assessed neurodevelopment at 6 months corrected age, observing the correlation between ADC and adaptive, personal-social, gross motor, fine motor, and language behaviors.

RESULTS: WMI was found in 45 PTIs, with higher ADC compared to non-WMI PTIs (P < .05). ADC showed excellent diagnostic value for WMI. PTIs with adaptive, personal-social, gross motor, and fine motor developmental disorders had significantly higher ADC (P < .05), but no significant difference in language development disorders (P > .05).

CONCLUSION: ADC of the frontal white matter detected by MRI-DTI can effectively evaluate neurodevelopmental disorders in PTIs, serving as an early indicator for timely clinical intervention.

PMID:40760642 | DOI:10.1097/MD.0000000000043482