RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Optimal Timing of Cerebral MRI in Preterm Infants to Predict Long-Term Neurodevelopmental Outcome: A Systematic Review JF American Journal of Neuroradiology JO Am. J. Neuroradiol. FD American Society of Neuroradiology DO 10.3174/ajnr.A3513 A1 A. Plaisier A1 P. Govaert A1 M.H. Lequin A1 J. Dudink YR 2013 UL http://www.ajnr.org/content/early/2013/05/02/ajnr.A3513.abstract AB SUMMARY: Advances in neonatal neuroimaging have improved detection of preterm brain injury responsible for abnormal neuromotor and cognitive development. Increasingly sophisticated MR imaging setups allow scanning during early preterm life. In this review, we investigated how brain MR imaging in preterm infants should be timed to best predict long-term outcome. Given the strong evidence that structural brain abnormalities are related to long-term neurodevelopment, MR imaging should preferably be performed at term-equivalent age. Early MR imaging is promising because it can guide early intervention studies and is indispensable in research on preterm brain injury. Abbreviations DEHSIdiffuse excessive high signal intensityFAfractional anisotropyPLICposterior limb of the internal capsulePMApostmenstrual agePWMLpunctate white matter lesions