Abstract:

Objective  To explore the relationship between MRI signal intensity in bilateral globus-pallidus and the level of serum bilirubin in neonates to provide diagnostic evidence of bilirubin encephalopathy. Methods  Thirty neonates received cranial MRI examination using Philips Achieva 1.5T MRI scanner, and they were divided into four groups depending on the levels of total serum bilirubin (TSB). Two-way analysis of variance was used to analyze the signal intensities of T1WI and T2WI, and the values of EADC, ADC and FA in bilateral globus-pallidus.  Results  The signal intensity of T1WI was obviously higher in the group with the highest TSB than in the others (P＜0.05), and the signal intensity of T1WI was thought to be increased if it exceeded 1155±63. There were no statistical differences among the four groups in the signal intensity of T2WI, and the values of EADC, ADC and FA (P≥0.05) .  Conclusions   There is an intimate relationship between the signal intensity in bilateral globus-pallidus on T1WI and the severity of hyperbilirubinemia,which is an important characteristic of bilirubin encephalopathy in neonates.

Key words: Neonatal; Bilirubin encephalopathy;  Magnetic resonance image;  Diffusion tensor image