Abstract: Objective To analyze the characteristics of cranial ultrasound and magnetic resonance diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) in preterm infants with white matter injury (WMI), and to explore their application value in early diagnosis and follow-up of WMI. Methods The clinical data of 120 premature infants suspected with WMI in our hospital from January 2018 to February 2020 were retrospectively analyzed, and the results and diagnostic value of craniocerebral ultrasound and DWI were analyzed.Results Among the 120 children, 112 were diagnosed with WMI, 6 with hydrocephalus and 2 with corpus callosum dysplasia. Based on clinical diagnosis, 98 cases (87.50%) of WMI were accurately diagnosed by craniocerebral ultrasound. Taking choroid plexus echo as reference standard and according to the degree of periventricular echo enhancement(PVE) in the first examination, 38 cases were classified into grade Ⅰ, 32 cases into grade Ⅱ, and 28 cases into grade Ⅲ, while 14 cases were missed and misdiagnosed (12.50%). A total of 78 cases (69.64%) of WMI were accurately diagnosed by conventional MRI, including 52 cases of focal lesions, 4 cases of diffuse lesions, 22 cases of periventricular leukomalacia (PVL), and 34 cases of missed diagnosis or misdiagnosis (30.36%). By conventional MRI+DWI，a total of 102 cases (91.07%) of WMI were accurately diagnosed, including 46 cases of focal lesions, 34 cases of diffuse lesions, 22 cases of PVL, and 10 cases of missed diagnosis or misdiagnosis(8.93%).Conclusion Both craniocerebral ultrasound and DWI can make accurate diagnosis of WMI. Craniocerebral ultrasound is convenient and reproducible, and it is the first choice for preliminary screening and follow-up of WMI.

Key words:

White matter injury;Craniocerebral ultrasound;Diagnostic value;Infant, premature