Neuropediatrics 2013; 44 - A2
DOI: 10.1055/s-0033-1347335

Tractography of white matter tracts in very preterm infants—A 2-year follow-up study

FT de Bruïne 1, G van Wezel-Meijler 2, 3, LM Leijser 2, SJ Steggerda 2, AA van den Berg-Huysmans 1, M Rijken 2, MA van Buchem 1, J van der Grond 1
  • 1Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
  • 2Department of Neonatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
  • 3Department of Neonatology, Isala Hospital, Zwolle, The Netherlands

Aim: Can tractography predict neurodevelopmental outcome in very preterm infants?

Method: In this study, 64/84 infants underwent follow-up at 2 years. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) values obtained around term were associated with a neurological examination and developmental scores (Bayley Scales-III). Cutoff values predicting motor delay and cerebral palsy were determined for fractional anisotropy (FA) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC).

Results: Infants with psychomotor delay and cerebral palsy had lower FA values (p= 0.002, p= 0.04) and shorter fiber lengths (p= 0.02, p= 0.02) of the PLIC. Infants with psychomotor delay had higher ADC values (p= 0.03) and shorter fiber lengths (p= 0.002) of the splenium.

FA values of the PLIC independently predicted motor delay and cerebral palsy with sensitivity between 100 and 80% and specificity between 69 and 66%. ADC values of the splenium independently predicted motor delay with sensitivity 100% and specificity 65%.

Conclusion: DTI tractography at term equivalent age independently predicts psychomotor delay at 2 years of age.