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01-08-2009 | Original Article

Diffusion tensor imaging of the inferior colliculus and brainstem auditory-evoked potentials in preterm infants

Authors: Milla Reiman, Riitta Parkkola, Reijo Johansson, Satu K. Jääskeläinen, Harry Kujari, Liisa Lehtonen, Leena Haataja, Helena Lapinleimu, PIPARI Study Group

Published in: Pediatric Radiology | Issue 8/2009

Abstract

Background

Preterm and low-birth-weight infants have an increased risk of sensorineural hearing loss. Brainstem auditory-evoked potentials (BAEP) are an effective method to detect subtle deficits in impulse conduction in the auditory pathway. Abnormalities on diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) have been shown to be associated with perinatal white-matter injury and reduced fractional anisotropy (FA) has been reported in patients with sensorineural hearing loss.

Objectives

To evaluate the possibility of a correlation between BAEP and DTI of the inferior colliculus in preterm infants.

Materials and methods

DTI at term age and BAEP measurements were performed on all very-low-birth-weight or very preterm study infants (n=56). FA and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) of the inferior colliculus were measured from the DTI.

Results

Shorter BAEP wave I, III, and V latencies and I–III and I–V intervals and higher wave V amplitude correlated with higher FA of the inferior colliculus.

Conclusion:

The association between the DTI findings of the inferior colliculus and BAEP responses suggests that DTI can be used to assess the integrity of the auditory pathway in preterm infants.

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Title: Diffusion tensor imaging of the inferior colliculus and brainstem auditory-evoked potentials in preterm infants
Authors: Milla Reiman
Riitta Parkkola
Reijo Johansson
Satu K. Jääskeläinen
Harry Kujari
Liisa Lehtonen
Leena Haataja
Helena Lapinleimu
PIPARI Study Group
Publication date: 01-08-2009
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: Pediatric Radiology / Issue 8/2009
Print ISSN: 0301-0449
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1998
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00247-009-1278-6

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Diffusion tensor imaging of the inferior colliculus and brainstem auditory-evoked potentials in preterm infants

Abstract

Background

Objectives

Materials and methods

Results

Conclusion:

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Objectives

Materials and methods

Results

Conclusion:

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