Background: We have installed in our neonatal intensive care unit a prototype magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system specifically designed for neonatal use.

Subjects and Interventions: Infants less than 32 weeks gestational age (GA), were studied and repeated MRIs performed in several cases up to discharge. 51 scans were obtained in 17 infants; median (range) birthweight 990 (648-1660) gm and median GA at birth 28 (24-31) weeks. The initial MRI was performed at a median age of 4 (1-27) days and the median number of scans per infant was 2 (1-9).

Results: In the early preterm images the germinal matrix was demonstrated and the cortex appeared as a simple smooth rim with an elementary central sulcus and widely open sylvian fissure. With increasing GA a constant reproducible pattern of increasing sulcation/gyration and myelination was observed and the germinal matrix resolved.

Conclusion: Cerebral MRI in preterm infants using a designated system provides high quality images that may be serially obtained in even the smallest of infants. This will allow investigation of cerebral injury in the preterm infant.