Brain perfusion imaging in neonates

• Main Authors: Jérôme Baranger, Olivier Villemain, Matthias Wagner, Mariella Vargas-Gutierrez, Mike Seed, Olivier Baud, Birgit Ertl-Wagner, Julien Aguet
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier 2021-01-01
• Series: NeuroImage: Clinical
• Subjects: Brain; Pediatrics; Perfusion; MRI; Ultrasound
• Online Access: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S221315822100200X

Abnormal variations of the neonatal brain perfusion can result in long-term neurodevelopmental consequences and cerebral perfusion imaging can play an important role in diagnostic and therapeutic decision-making. To identify at-risk situations, perfusion imaging of the neonatal brain must accurately evaluate both regional and global perfusion. To date, neonatal cerebral perfusion assessment remains challenging. The available modalities such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound imaging, computed tomography (CT), near-infrared spectroscopy or nuclear imaging have multiple compromises and limitations. Several promising methods are being developed to achieve better diagnostic accuracy and higher robustness, in particular using advanced MRI and ultrasound techniques.The objective of this state-of-the-art review is to analyze the methodology and challenges of neonatal brain perfusion imaging, to describe the currently available modalities, and to outline future perspectives.