Neuroimaging of Germinal Matrix and Intraventricular Hemorrhage in Premature Infants

Abstract

Germinal matrix and intraventricular hemorrhage (GM-IVH) are the major causes of intracranial hemorrhage in premature infants. Cranial ultrasound (cUS) is the imaging modality of choice for diagnosing and classifying GM-IVH. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), usually performed at term-equivalent age, is more sensitive than cUS in identifying hemorrhage in the brain. Post-hemorrhagic ventricular dilatation is a significant complication of GM-IVH and correlates with adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes. In this review, we discuss the various imaging findings of GM-IVH in premature infants, focusing on the role of cUS and MRI.

Transcranial Sonography Used as a Valuable Diagnostic Tool for Detecting a Hemoventricle, in an Intensive Care Unit Patient

“…The challenges lie in transporting the patient to the imaging suite and the extended imaging duration, which can make MRI impractical during the acute stage. 6…”

“…The challenges lie in transporting the patient to the imaging suite and the extended imaging duration, which can make MRI impractical during the acute stage. 6 Sonography provides a noninvasive, portable, and costeffective alternative that can be performed, at the bedside, by trained clinicians. It offers accurate real-time information regarding ventricular size, shape, and contents.…”

Neonatal cerebral ultrasound: anatomical variants and age-related diseases

“…GM-IVH is a common condition in premature infants, with very low birth weight, frequently occurring during the first week of life and cUS is the modality of choice to early detect and define its severity [6]. In the early phase, hemorrhages may appear as well-defined hyperechoic spots in the subependymal germinal matrix extending along the caudothalamic groove.…”

“…Fig 6. Premature male infant born at 34 weeks' gestation who underwent cerebral ultrasound at 2-month old for fever (up to 38.7 °C) and anemia.…”