Arterial spin labeling perfusion in neonates

Abnormal brain perfusion is a key mechanism underlying neonatal brain injury. Understanding the mechanisms leading to brain perfusion changes in high-risk neonates and how these alterations may influence brain development is key to improve therapeutic strategies preventing brain injury and the neurodevelopmental outcome of these infants. To date, several studies demonstrated that Arterial Spin Labeling is a reliable tool to accurately and non-invasively analyze brain perfusion, facilitating the understanding of normal and pathological mechanisms underlying neonatal brain maturation and injury. This paper provides an overview of the normal pattern of brain perfusion on Arterial Spin Labeling in term and preterm neonates, and reviews perfusion abnormalities associated with common neonatal neurological disorders.