Comparing head ultrasounds and susceptibility-weighted imaging for the detection of low-grade hemorrhages in preterm infants

Objective Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) is a complication of prematurity. Grades III and IV IVH lead to significant morbidity, but mounting evidence shows low-grade IVH (grades I–II) may be associated with adverse sequelae. Head ultrasounds (HUS) are used to screen infants for IVH but may miss low-grade IVH. Our study compared the results of HUS around 7 days of age to susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) obtained at term-corrected age in infants born at <30 wGA. Study design Infants <30 weeks gestational age (GA) with an HUS and MRI at admission to UF Health were identified by a retrospective chart review. Images were re-read by a pediatric neuroradiologist. Results Ninety-four infants with a mean GA of 25.8 weeks were identified. Of those with normal HUS, 50% had low-grade IVH on the term-corrected MRI. Conclusions HUS are effective for screening for high-grade IVH. SWI is more sensitive in identifying low-grade IVH.