White matter abnormalities are related to microstructural changes in preterm neonates at term-equivalent age: a diffusion tensor imaging and probabilistic tractography study.

ABSTRACT:

Background and purpose

Preterm infants have a high risk of brain injury and neurodevelopmental impairment, often associated with WMA on conventional MR imaging. DTI can provide insight into white matter microstructure. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between WMA on conventional MR imaging and DTI parameters in specific fibers in preterm neonates at term-equivalent age.

Materials and methods

Seventy preterm neonates (39 boys and 31 girls) were included in the study. WMA were classified as no, mild, moderate, or severe. Probabilistic tractography provided tract volumes, FA, MD, λ(//), and λ(⊥) in the CST, SLF, TRs, and corpus callosum. Data were compared by using MANOVA, and adjustment for multiple comparisons was performed.

Results

Important as

SUBMITTER: Liu Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7968822 | biostudies-literature | 2012 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature