1Advanced
Imaging Research Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center,
Dallas, TX, United States; 2Department of Radiology, University of
Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States; 3Department
of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX,
United States
Cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen (CMRO2) is thought to be a direct index of neural activity. However, in vivo measurement of CMRO2 has proven challenging particularly for neonatal population. In this study, we proposed a CMRO2 method for neonates that can be used in any facility with a standard MRI scanner. Preliminary testings have shown great promises of this approach. Although it is a global measure and lacks regional information, several features of this technique (no exogenous agent, <5 min in scan duration, available on a standard 3T) make it a potentially important tool in functional assessment of neonatal population.