Article

Preterm birth is associated with an increased risk of adverse
neurodevelopmental outcomes. Diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI) combined
with tractography can be used to assess non-invasively white matter
microstructure and brain development in preterm infants. Our aim was to conduct a
systematic review of the current evidence obtained from tractography studies of
preterm infants in whom MRI was performed up to term-equivalent age. METHOD:
Databases were searched for dMRI tractography studies of preterm infants.
RESULTS: Twenty-two studies were assessed. The most frequently assessed tracts
included the corticospinal tract, the corpus callosum, and the optic radiations.
The superior longitudinal fasciculus, and the anterior and superior thalamic
radiations were investigated less frequently. A clear relationship exists between
diffusion metrics and postmenstrual age at the time of scanning, although the
evidence of an effect of gestational age at birth and white matter injury is
conflicting. Sex and laterality may play an important role in the relationship
between diffusion metrics, early clinical assessment, and outcomes.
INTERPRETATION: Studies involving infants of all gestational ages are required to
elucidate the relationship between gestational age and diffusion metrics, and to
establish the utility of tractography as a predictive tool. There is a need for
more robust acquisition and analysis methods to improve the accuracy of assessing
development of white matter pathways.
CI - (c) 2013 Mac Keith Press.

Langue : ANGLAIS