Radiologic diagnostics in complex estimation of the features of neuroplasticity in preterm newborns with extremely low birth weight

Patterns of neuroplasticity and cerebral maturation in preterm neonate can be assessed by MRI and cranial ultrasound. The score system of brain maturation includes the account of germinal matrix (GM) regression by MRI. The GM regression can be considered as pattern of neuroplasticity. There have been investigated the changes of neuroplasticity pattern or GM regression in preterm neonates with extremely low birth weight (ELBW) without intragerminal/intraventricular hemorrhages ( n  = 21). It is believe that the main causes of impair of GM are the intragerminal hemorrhages and hypoxia. The methods of study were cranial ultrasound (CU) and MRI. The measurement of GM was carried out by CU in anterior horn of the lateral ventricles of neonates in the study group (25-29 weeks). It was detected the GM regression in preterm neonates with increasing age, and complete GM regression to 30 week. MRI has been performed in 15 neonates from the study group on 27-38 weeks age with using the common pulse sequences – T1 WI, T2 WI and Flair. GM was detected by MRI up to 34 weeks inclusive by using the additional pulse sequence – DWI. By using common pulse sequences the GM was visualized up to 32 weeks age. Furthermore there has been pathological examination of GM in anterior horn of lateral ventricle in dead neonates from the study group ( n  = 3). We revealed the thickness reduction of GM in the lateral ventricles with increasing age of the dead neonates. Also we identified the delay of the GM reduction in two dead neonates 36-38 weeks age (post conceptual age) what may indicate the disorder of neuroplasticity in those preterm neonates. The performed study showed the capability of CU and MRI in examination of neuroplasticity in preterm neonates.