Comparison of quantitative susceptibility mapping with source separation in full-term, moderate-to-late preterm, and very preterm brains

Motivation: Estimating myelin and iron content in the preterm brain may identify early biomarkers of neurodevelopmental impairments. Goal(s): To find differences in positive and negative susceptibilities between preterm and full-term infants. Approach: Quantitative susceptibility mapping with R2*-based source separation was performed in newborns at a postmenstrual age of 37-43 weeks. Regional susceptibilities were compared qualitatively and quantitatively among full-term, moderate-to-late, and very preterm newborns. Results: Very preterm newborns showed significantly lower positive susceptibility in cortical gray matter, white matter, and frontal and parietal lobes, and significantly higher negative susceptibility in all regions except the occipital lobe compared to full-term newborns. Impact: This study demonstrated significant differences in positive and negative susceptibilities between very preterm and full-term born infants, suggesting that quantitative susceptibility mapping with source separation may help early detection of iron deficiency and delayed myelination in preterm-born infants.