Neuroimaging evaluation of cerebral palsy.
MRI can demonstrate and differentiate the various insults and anomalies that can be responsible for cerebral palsy. Recent advances have resulted in techniques and sequences that allow prompt detection of cytotoxic edema and evaluation of brain perfusion. MRI precisely demonstrates the various patterns of injury, distinguishing insults owing to profound asphyxia, partial prolonged asphyxia, and mixed partial prolonged and profound asphyxia. Infants and children can be studied with MRI, and ultrafast MRI permits evaluation of the fetal central nervous system. In the fetus, the cause of ventriculomegaly can be determined, such as cerebrospinal fluid flow obstruction, brain malformation, or brain destruction with or without hemorrhage. Results from fetal MRI have led to better understanding of many brain abnormalities.
Zimmerman
Robert A
RA
Department of Radiology, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. zimmerman@email.chop.edu
Bilaniuk
Larissa T
LT
D002547:Cerebral Palsy / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D005315:Fetal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007232:Infant, Newborn, Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D011247:Pregnancy; D011296:Prenatal Diagnosis / Q000379:methods; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed