The Application of Magnetic Susceptibility Separation for Measuring Cerebral Oxygenation in Preterm Neonates

Motivation: Accurate and non-invasive methods for measuring cerebral oxygenation are needed to improve neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm infants. Goal(s): We aimed to assess whether decomposing quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) images into their paramagnetic and diamagnetic components enhanced the accuracy of measuring cerebral venous oxygen saturation (SvO2) in neonates. Approach: We processed the QSM images of 19 preterm neonates to isolate their paramagnetic components and calculate SvO2 in the central cerebral veins (CCV) and superior sagittal sinus (SSS). Results: SSS SvO2 values derived from paramagnetic components agreed well with findings from similar studies. Impact: Magnetic susceptibility separation, an MRI post-processing technique, shows promise as a non-invasive method of measuring regional cerebral oxygenation in neonates, and may serve as tool for clinicians and researchers alike.