Background: This study investigated if abnormal signal intensity(SI) in the posterior limb of the internal capsule (PLIC) on early magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) predicted neurodevelopmental outcome in infants suspected of having suffered birth asphyxia.
Subjects and Interventions: 70 infants of 38-42 weeks gestation were studied by MRI within 9 days after suspected birth asphyxia. SI of T1 and T2 weighted spin echo and inversion recovery sequences were classified by 3 independent observers, and compared to neurodevelopmental outcome at one year.
Results: Interobserver variability was low (kappa = 0.83). Abnormal SI predicted neurodevelopmental impairment with sensitivity 0.91, specificity 1.0 and positive predictive value 1.0. Predictive probability was 0.94 (95% CI 0.88-0.99).
Conclusion: Abnormal SI in the PLIC accurately predicts neurodevelopmental impairment after suspected birth asphyxia in term infants.
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Rutherford, M., Pennock, J., Counsell, S. et al. Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Posterior Limb of the Internal Capsule and Neurodevelopmental Impairment After Hypoxic-Ischaemic Encephalopathy. 35. Pediatr Res 42, 391 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-199709000-00055
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-199709000-00055
