Cerebral magnetic resonance imaging as predictor of learning disabilities in extremely low birth weight

It is difficult to predict the risk of the development of learning disabilities among extremely low birth weight neonates (birth weight > 501 and <1000 g). In this study we assessed the relationship between the dilatation of the lateral ventricles on cerebral magnetic resonance (MRI) taken at the post-gestational age of 40 weeks and learning disabilities at school age. The means area of lateral ventricles of the learning disabilities-suspected group was significantly larger than that of the control group (396.4 and 281.7 mm², respectively; P <0.01). There were no differences between the groups of children in gestation, birth weight and developmental quotient at school age. We could say that the dilatation of lateral ventricles assessed by MRI performed at the correct term may be a predictor of learning disabilities recognisable at school age.