Quantitative assessment of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia brain injury based on Diffusion Weighted Imaging

Motivation: Currently, conventional MRI has limited sensitivity in detecting brain injuries in neonates with hyperbilirubinemia (NHB). There are few studies focused on diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) for assessing brain injury. Goal(s): To quantify changes in apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values in specific brain regions of neonates with NHB using DWI. Approach: We conducted DWI scans, measured ADC values in selected brain regions, and compared these values between healthy control group and neonates with NHB. Results: ADC values were significantly higher in neonates with NHB, specifically in the globus pallidus, putamen, head of the caudate nucleus, anterior limb of the internal capsule, and hippocampus. Impact: DWI offers a quantitative method to assess brain injury in neonates with NHB, confirming the neurotoxicity and selective deposition effects of hyperbilirubinemia. This technique may aid in early diagnosis and in evaluating the clinical efficacy of treatments for neonates with NHB.