Cranial Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings in Patients with Indirect Hyperbilirubinemia
Abstract:
Purpose: To describe the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) changes in the patients with indirect hyperbilirubinemia. Methods: MRI findings of eighteen neonates with indirect hyperbilirubinemia were reported by us. The differences in imaging, clinical and biochemical data between three groups were evaluated statistically. Results: Peak bilirubin levels were between 20 and 24 mg per deciliter in 5 of the newborns (group 1), 25 and 29 mg per deciliter in 6 of the newborns (group 2) and 30 mg per deciliter or more in 7 newborns (group 3). There was statistically significant difference between the neurological findings and MRI findings of the patients between three groups. Conclusion: We always demonstrated MRI changes in the patients with kernicterus. Firstly, T1 weighted changes were described in patients with hyperbilirubinemia despite normal neurological examinations. Larger studies with clinical follow up are needed for further understanding of toxic effect of bilirubin in brain. Key words: Ozet [Cukurova Med J 2012; 37(3.000): 139-145]