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Association between corpus callosum development on magnetic resonance imaging and diffusion tensor imaging, and neurodevelopmental outcome in neonates born very preterm
Author(s) -
Malavolti Anna M,
Chau Vann,
BrownLum Meisan,
Poskitt Kenneth J,
Brant Rollin,
Synnes Anne,
Grunau Ruth E,
Miller Steven P
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
developmental medicine and child neurology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.658
H-Index - 143
eISSN - 1469-8749
pISSN - 0012-1622
DOI - 10.1111/dmcn.13364
Subject(s) - corpus callosum , fractional anisotropy , diffusion mri , splenium , medicine , magnetic resonance imaging , white matter , pediatrics , anatomy , radiology
Aim To characterize corpus callosum development in neonates born very preterm from early in life to term‐equivalent age and its relationship with neurodevelopmental outcome at 18 months corrected age. Method In a prospective cohort of 193 neonates born preterm, 24 to 32 weeks' gestation, we used magnetic resonance imaging and diffusion tensor imaging acquired early in life ( n =193) and at term‐equivalent age ( n =159) to measure corpus callosum development: mid‐sagittal area (including corpus callosum subdivisions) and length, and fractional anisotropy from the genu and splenium. We examined the association of (1) intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH) and white matter injury (WMI) severity, and (2) neurodevelopmental outcome at 18 months corrected age with corpus callosum development. Results Severe WMI and severe IVH were strongly associated with reduced corpus callosum area (both p <0.001) and WMI with lower fractional anisotropy ( p =0.002). Mild WMI predicted smaller corpus callosum area only posteriorly; mild IVH predicted smaller area throughout. Adverse motor outcome was associated with smaller corpus callosum size in the posterior subdivision ( p =0.003). Abnormal cognitive outcomes were associated with lower corpus callosum fractional anisotropy ( p =0.008). Interpretation In newborn infants born very preterm, brain injury is associated with changes in simple metrics of corpus callosum development. In this population, the development of the corpus callosum, as reflected by size and microstructure, is associated with neurodevelopmental outcomes at 18 months corrected age.