Developmental features of the neonatal brain: MR imaging. Part I. Gray-white matter differentiation and myelination

C. B. McArdle, C. J. Richardson, D. A. Nicholas, M. Mirfakhraee, C. K. Hayden, E. G. Amparo

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

182 Scopus citations

Abstract

To establish the normal appearance of the neonatal brain, 51 neonates, 29-42 weeks postconception, underwent magnetic resonance (MR) imaging with a 0.6-T magnet in a prospective study. T1-weighted images were used to devise stages for the appearance of gray-white matter differentiation and extent of myelination. The results show that from 29 to 42 weeks postconception, changes in gray-white matter differentiation and myelination follow the stages in an orderly and predictable fashion. Changes in white matter intensity appear related to progressive decrease in brain water content. Myelination progresses cephalad from the brain stem at 29 weeks to reach the centrum semiovale by 42 weeks. Delayed myelination, defined as the absence of myelin in the corona radiata by 37 weeks, was seen in nine infants with complicated perinatal courses. Awareness of these developmental features should help to minimize misinterpretation of normal changes in the neonatal brain and lead to earlier detection of pathologic conditions, both with MR imaging and computed tomography.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)223-229
Number of pages7
JournalRadiology
Volume162
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 1987

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Radiology Nuclear Medicine and imaging

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