Brain Metabolite Concentrations in Neonates with Congenital Heart Disease Before and After Cardiac Surgery

Motivation: Alterations in brain metabolism before and after surgical repair of congenital heart disease is not well studied. Goal(s): To investigate changes in key brain metabolites and primary neurotransmitters before and after cardiac surgery using 1H-MRS. Approach: Data were acquired in the cerebellum, right basal ganglia and right frontal lobe using MEGA-PRESS in 3T. Results: Measurements of myo-inositol (mI) in the cerebellum were significantly higher in the preoperative CHD group compared to the healthy controls. γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) measurements were significantly higher in the right basal ganglia in the postoperative CHD group compared to the preoperative group. Impact: Expanded investigation of brain biochemistry in neonates with congenital heart disease has revealed dynamic changes in key metabolites before and after cardiac repair, especially in key neurotransmitters GABA and mI which are known to play important roles in neurodevelopmental disabilities.