Abstract
White matter myelination is essential to postnatal neurologic maturation and can be
accurately evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Accordingly, MRI pulse sequences
should be optimized for detection of myelin in young children. T1-weighted images
are most useful during the first year of life. These demonstrate myelin-related white
matter hyperintensity consequent to increasing cholesterol and galactocerebroside
within myelin membranes. T2-weighted images are most useful in later stages of myelination,
during which time elaboration of myelin leads to reduction in brain water content
with associated T2 hypointensity. Additional information regarding the status of myelination
can be obtained from T2-weighted fluid attenuation inversion recovery (FLAIR) and
diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) pulse sequences. Clinically useful milestones for assessment
of myelination across all these MRI pulse sequences are available as guidelines to
image interpretation. Evaluation of myelination status using a combination of T1-
and T2-weighted images should be routine in the interpretation of all pediatric brain
MRI exams.
Keywords
myelination - development - brain - white matter - infants - magnetic resonance imaging
