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Abstract #3732

Understanding the Effects of Prematurity on the Visual System Using Diffusion MRI

Dolly Thai1, Deanne K. Thompson1, 2, Lex W. Doyle1, 3, Jeanie Cheong1, 3, Michael J. Kean1, Jeff Neil4, Terrie E. Inder1, 4, Peter J. Ande

1Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; 2Centre for Neuroscience, Florey Neuroscience Institutes,University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; 3Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; 4St Louis Childrens Hospital, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, United States

Children born very preterm are at risk of developing visual impairments. This study examines 142 very preterm and 32 full-term 7 year old children scanned with a 3T MRI scanner. Optic radiations were reconstructed using constrained spherical deconvolution. Radial diffusivity was significantly higher in preterm children, thus myelination appears to be particularly disrupted, especially in the more anterior segments of the optic radiation. These changes were associated with visual field defects and poorer visual acuity. In conclusion, the microstructural organisation of the optic radiation is less developed in preterm children, which negatively impacts visual function at seven years.

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Keywords

abnormal abnormalities acuity adverse aims altered although anisotropy anterior appeared assessed association attributed axial background birth born channel chart children clinician coil confidence confrontation connectivity constrained controls correlated cortex course deconvolution defects developed development deviation diffusion diffusivity diseases dolly eyes field fractional full function gestational gradient head hospital hunt impact impaired impairments injury institute institutes integrity interval investigate isotropic larger life matrix measures middle mostly negative ocular optic organization outcomes pathway peter play poorer posterior prematurity probabilistic radial radiation radiations ranging reconstructed reflect risk role royal scanned scanner segment sensory significantly smaller spherical subjects system table term tract tracts trio understanding visual volume volumes vulnerable weeks white women years