Combined use of electroencephalogram and magnetic resonance imaging in full-term neonates with acute encephalopathy

Objective. The electroencephalogram (EEG) is widely used in full-term infants with acute neonatal encephalopathy, and its prognostic value has been confirmed by several studies. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain has also been applied in these patients, and increasing numbers of reports affirm its prognostic reliability. The aim of this study has been to investigate the correlation between an early EEG and MRI findings in infants with acute neonatal encephalopathy and to assess the prognostic value of a combination of EEG and MRI findings. Participants and Methods. Twenty-five full-term infants had an EEG recorded within the first 72 hours after birth and a neonatal brain MRI scan after the end of the first week. Results. Both EEG and MRI were predictive of outcome. A normal MRI was always associated with normal EEG background activity and normal outcome and severe abnormalities on MRI with marked EEG abnormalities and an abnormal outcome. When the MRI showed moderate abnormalities, the EEG in all cases but one identified patients with normal and abnormal outcome.