title: Diffuse hyperechogenicity of basal ganglia and thalami in preterm neonates: a physiologic finding?
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To elucidate whether echogenicity (EG) of the basal ganglia and thalami (BGT) represents a physiologic phenomenon in preterm neonates (<32 weeks gestation).
  
  
  METHODS
  The study was approved by the medical ethics committee, and informed consent was obtained from the parents. Sequential neonatal cranial ultrasonographic (US) images obtained in 130 preterm neonates were evaluated for EG of the BGT. In 110 of the 130 neonates, MR imaging was performed around or within the first months after term-equivalent age to assess myelination and changes in BGT signal. Cranial US studies obtained in 83 low-risk near-term neonates were used for comparison.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Diffuse homogeneous bilateral EG of the BGT was seen in 120 (92%) of 130 preterm neonates and in seven (8%) of 83 low-risk neonates (P < .001). In preterm neonates, EG of the BGT faded with age and was no longer seen 1 month after delivery. This finding was associated with frontal echodensity, which is a normal prematurity-related cranial US phenomenon that occurs in the white matter (P < .001). No association with changes on MR images was found.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In preterm neonates, diffuse homogeneous EG of the BGT is a frequent and normal prematurity-related finding.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, Leiden University Medical Center, PO Box 9600, J6-S, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands. G.van_Wezel-Meijler@lumc.nl
authors.forename: Gerda
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: van Wezel-Meijler
authors.forename: Lara M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Leijser
authors.forename: Francesca T
authors.initials: FT
authors.lastname: Wiggers-de Bruïne
authors.forename: Sylke J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Steggerda
authors.forename: Jeroen
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: van der Grond
authors.forename: Frans J
authors.initials: FJ
authors.lastname: Walther
mesh_terms: D001479:Basal Ganglia / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013788:Thalamus / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D014463:Ultrasonography