Assessing neonatal brain glymphatic system development using diffusion tensor imaging along the perivascular space and choroid plexus volume.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

Neonatal brain development constitutes a critical period of structural and functional maturation underpinning sensory, motor, and cognitive capacities. The glymphatic system-a cerebral waste clearance network-remains poorly understood in neonates. We investigated non-invasive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) biomarkers of glymphatic system and their developmental correlates in neonates.

Methods

In 117 neonates undergoing high-resolution T1-weighted and diffusion MRI, we quantified two glymphatic metrics: (1) diffusion tensor imaging along the perivascular space (DTI-ALPS) index, reflecting perivascular fluid dynamics; (2) choroid plexus (CP) volume, a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) production marker. Associations with postmenstrual age (PMA) at MRI scan, gestational age (

SUBMITTER: Peng T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12007372 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature