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Normal brain in human newborns: apparent diffusion coefficient and diffusion anisotropy measured by using diffusion tensor MR imaging.
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1998
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The study aims to establish quantitative standards for the directionally averaged water apparent diffusion coefficient (D) and diffusion anisotropy (Aσ) of normal newborn brains using diffusion tensor MR imaging. Diffusion tensor MR imaging was performed within the first 36 hours of life in 22 newborns (gestational age 31–41 weeks), measuring D and Aσ in cortical gray matter, centrum semiovale, caudate nuclei, lentiform nuclei, thalami, internal capsules, and cerebellar hemispheres. Newborns show higher D values than adults, with D decreasing as gestational age increases, while Aσ values are lower than adults and rise sharply near term only in white matter, indicating that D reflects overall brain water content and Aσ is more sensitive to microstructural changes, with both metrics revealing information not seen on conventional T1- and T2-weighted images.
To establish quantitative standards for the directionally averaged water apparent diffusion coefficient (D) and quantitative diffusion anisotropy (A sigma) of normal brains in newborns by using diffusion tensor magnetic resonance (MR) imaging.Diffusion tensor MR imaging was performed during the first 36 hours of life in 22 newborns (gestational age range, 31-41 weeks). Values of D and A sigma were measured in regions of interest chosen in the cortical gray matter, centrum semiovale, caudate nuclei, lentiform nuclei, thalami, internal capsules, and cerebellar hemispheres.The D values in the gray and white matter in newborns are considerably higher than those in adults. There is a striking correlation between gestational age and D, with D decreasing as gestational age increases. The A sigma values in the white matter in newborns are lower than those in adults. Values of A sigma show statistically significant correlations with gestational age only in the white matter of the centrum semiovale, in which A sigma values increase sharply near term.The D values primarily reflect overall brain water content. The A sigma values are more sensitive to tissue microstructure (e.g., white matter packing and myelination). The D and A sigma images reveal information and not apparent on T1- and T2-weighted images.