Early diagnosis and prognosis of full-term neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy using 3D arterial spin labeling perfusion imaging

Motivation: Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is the most important reason for morbidity and mortality in full-term infants. Goal(s): This study aimed to investigate the clinical value of 3DASL perfusion imaging for the early diagnosis and prognosis of HIE in full-term neonates. Approach: This study recruited 40 full-term HIE neonates and 40 healthy controls. Cerebral blood flow (CBF) values of bilateral frontal lobes, basal ganglia, thalamus were measured for comparison. Results: The HIE groups showed significant decreased CBF values in the frontal lobes but significantly increased CBF values in basal ganglia and thalamus as compared to the control group. Impact: We observed significant group differences between HIE neonates and healthy controls. 3DASL could reflect abnormal changes of cerebral perfusion in HIE infants and demonstrated the clinical value for early diagnosis and diagnosis of HIE.