Microstructural maturation of white matter tracts in encephalopathic neonates

Purpose: This study aims to apply neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging (NODDI) to measure white matter microstructural features during early development. Methods: NODDI parameters were measured in twelve newborns and thirteen 6-month infants, all with perinatal clinical encephalopathy. Results: Between 0 and 6 months, there were significant differences in fractional anisotropy (FA) for all tracts; in neurite density for internal capsules, optic radiations, and splenium; and in orientation dispersion for anterior limb of internal capsule and optic radiations. There were no appreciable differences in NODDI parameters related to outcome. Conclusion: NODDI may allow more detailed characterization of microstructural maturation than FA.