An Atlas of Neonatal Neurovascular Imaging Anatomy as Depicted with Microvascular Imaging: The Intracranial Arteries

ABSTRACT

Neurosonography is an invaluable diagnostic tool for assessing the neonatal brain and typically includes grayscale and conventional Doppler imaging. Microvascular imaging (MVI) is an emerging imaging technique that offers promising potential in evaluating neonatal intracranial pathology. MVI allows for sensitive and detailed assessment of neurovascular anatomy that can be challenging to visualize with other imaging modalities. This enhanced visualization not only improves the reliability in identifying neurovascular landmarks but also allows more accurate identification and assessment of adjacent parenchymal and extra-axial structures. Our review aims to offer an atlas of neurovascular structures as visualized with MVI, intended as a reference for future research in this field. Here, we focus specifically on the appearance of the intracranial arterial circulation as seen on MVI.

ABBREVIATIONS: ACA = Anterior cerebral artery; AChoA = Anterior choroidal arteries; BA = Basilar artery; CEUS = Contrast-enhanced ultrasound; CPA = Cerebellopontine angel; LA = Labyrinthine arteries; MVI = microvascular imaging; PCoAs = Posterior communicating arteries.