Detection of perfusion patterns in infants

Phase maps were constructed from two spin-echo sequences, and a difference map was calculated. In these maps, phase change was proportional to capillary velocity and provided a measure of perfusion. Eleven infants with hemorrhage, infarction, periventricular leukomalacia, hydrocephalus, and meningitis were studied. Normal infants of less than 1 year displayed a central and peripheral distribution of perfusion in the brain. Marked changes were seen in the cerebrospinal fluid. In disease, focal deficits were seen beyond the region of abnormality demonstrated with conventional T2-weighted spin-echo sequences in eight cases. Attempts to quantify the technique are in progress