Mapping Brain Maturation in Neonates: A Quantitative Study with MR Fingerprinting

Motivation: Quantitative evaluation is essential in neonatal MRI because of limited ability of visual evaluation alone. Goal(s): To establish a reference for regional brain maturation in neonates using MR Fingerprinting (MRF). Approach: MRF was applied to 252 neonates, with motion-free scans analyzed to evaluate percent changes in T1 and T2 values across key brain regions relative to postmenstrual age. Results: The study identified a strong negative correlation between T1 and T2 values and postmenstrual age, with faster maturation observed in deep gray matter and posterior cortical gray matter regions. Impact: This study demonstrates that MRF-derived quantitative values vary regionally at different rates based on postmenstrual age in neonates. MRF allows precise tracking of these developmental changes, underscoring its potential for assessing brain maturation during early development.