Cerebral Quantitative Susceptibility Mapping in Neonates with Congenital Heart Disease

Motivation: QSM has potential in monitoring altered cerebral oxygenation and quantifying cerebral microhemorrhages (CMH) in neonates with congenital heart disease (CHD). Goal(s): To use 1) QSM to detect post-surgical changes in cerebral oxygenation and 2) a deep-learning algorithm to quantify CMH. Approach: Cerebral susceptibility (χ) normalized to the ventricle was compared pre- vs. post-surgery and between CHD types. Deep-learning based quantification of CMH burden was compared pre- vs. post-surgery and assessed for relationship to cardiac bypass duration. Results: Normalized post-surgery χ trended lower in neonates with transposition of great arteries compared to single ventricle physiology. Post-operative CMH burden was associated with cardiac bypass duration. Impact: QSM-derived cerebral susceptibility post-surgery varies based on lesion type in congenital heart disease (CHD), supporting a potential role for QSM in detecting cerebral oxygenation changes. Cerebral microhemorrhages are common in neonates with CHD and are associated with surgical parameters.