SyMRI Detects Delayed Myelination in Preterm Neonates

Overview

Journal Eur Radiol

Specialty Radiology

Date 2019 Jul 10

PMID 31286188

Citations 17

Authors

Victor Schmidbauer

Gudrun Geisl

Mariana Diogo

Michael Weber

Katharina Goeral

Katrin Klebermass-Schrehof

Angelika Berger

Daniela Prayer

Gregor Kasprian

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Objectives: The software "SyMRI" generates different MR contrasts and characterizes tissue properties based on a single acquisition of a multi-dynamic multi-echo (MDME)-FLAIR sequence. The aim of this study was to assess the applicability of "SyMRI" in the assessment of myelination in preterm and term-born neonates. Furthermore, "SyMRI" was compared with conventional MRI.

Methods: A total of 30 preterm and term-born neonates were examined at term-equivalent age using a standardized MRI protocol. MDME sequence (acquisition time, 5 min, 24 s)-based post-processing was performed using "SyMRI". Myelination was assessed by scoring seven brain regions on quantitative T1-/T2-maps, generated by "SyMRI" and on standard T1-/T2-weighted images, acquired separately. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) (covariate, gestational age (GA) at MRI (GAMRI)) was used for group comparison.

Results: In 25/30 patients (83.3%) (18 preterm and seven term-born neonates), "SyMRI" acquisitions were successfully performed. "SyMRI"-based myelination scores were significantly lower in preterm compared with term-born neonates (ANCOVA: T1: F(1, 22) = 7.420, p = 0.012; T2: F(1, 22) = 5.658, p = 0.026). "SyMRI"-based myelination scores positively correlated with GAMRI (T1: r = 0.662, n = 25, p ≤ 0.001; T2: r = 0.676, n = 25, p ≤ 0.001). The myelination scores based on standard MRI did not correlate with the GAMRI. No significant differences between preterm and term-born neonates were detectable.

Conclusions: "SyMRI" is a highly promising MR technique for neonatal brain imaging. "SyMRI" is superior to conventional MR sequences in the visual detection of delayed myelination in preterm neonates.

Key Points: • By providing multiple MR contrasts, "SyMRI" is a time-saving method in neonatal brain imaging. • Differences concerning the myelination in term-born and preterm infants are visually detectable on T1-/T2-weighted maps generated by "SyMRI". • "SyMRI" allows a faster and more sensitive assessment of myelination compared with standard MR sequences.

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