Inhomogeneous Magnetization Transfer Imaging in Extremely Preterm Neonates at 7T.

Motivation: Extremely preterm neonates often show myelination delay in the brain, which is associated with long-term neurodevelopmental outcome impairments. Traditional imaging lacks myelin specificity, therefore, we implemented inhomogeneous magnetization transfer (ihMT). Goal(s): This study explores the use of ihMT at 7 Tesla for myelin assessment in extremely preterm neonates. Approach: The ihMT data was acquired from a phantom, demonstrating its specificity for myelin content. Six neonates and five adults were scanned with ihMT, and an ROI-based analysis was performed. Results: Phantom and human data confirm ihMT's potential for myelin evaluation. As expected, neonates exhibit lower ihMTR values in key brain regions compared to adults. Impact: This study is an important first step in discovering myelin development in the extremely preterm neonatal brain. Differences in myelin development across the extremely preterm population could be used to predict long-term neurodevelopmental outcome in the future.