Magnetic resonance techniques in the evaluation of the newborn brain

With the advances in reproductive medicine and neonatal intensive care, we are confronted with an increasing number of high-risk newborns that suffer from considerable neurologic morbidity, which often is associated with lifelong handicaps. Therefore, we need new diagnostic tools that allow us to monitor interventions aimed at the reversal of brain injury. MR techniques offer some of these abilities. In order to understand the possibilities and limitations of MR techniques, this article includes a discussion of the basic physical and biologic principles of magnetic resonance. This is followed by a presentation of the important aspects of normal brain development that have to be taken into account when discussing pathologic changes during the newborn period and finally outlines some of the established and developing use of MR imaging techniques.