Quantitative magnetic resonance imaging of the brain in survivors of very low birth weight

Background: Children who survive very low birth weight (VLBW) without major disability have a high prevalence of learning difficulty, attention deficit, and dyspraxia. Aims: To determine whether learning difficulty in children with VLBW is associated with structural brain abnormalities. Methods: A total of 87 children (aged 15–16 years) with a history of VLBW (<1500 g) and eight age matched full term controls have been studied with detailed magnetic resonance brain scans. Volume measurements of the caudate nuclei and hippocampal formations were made. Results: Scans in 42.5% of the children showed evidence of perinatal brain injury. There was no significant difference in IQ, dyspraxia, or attention deficit between children with qualitatively normal and abnormal scans. However, quantitative volumetric analysis showed that children with a low IQ had smaller volume measurements for the right caudate nucleus and left hippocampus, and a smaller hippocampal ratio (left volume:right volume) than those with normal IQ. Conclusion: Data suggest that learning disorder, attention deficit, and dyspraxia in children who survive VLBW do not correlate with conventional markers of perinatal brain injury, and may be related to global brain growth and the development of key structures, such as the caudate nuclei and hippocampal formations.     

Quantitative magnetic resonance imaging of the brain in survivors of very low birth weight.

BACKGROUND: Children who survive very low birth weight (VLBW) without major disability have a high prevalence of learning difficulty, attention deficit, and dyspraxia. AIMS: To determine whether learning difficulty in children with VLBW is associated with structural brain abnormalities. METHODS: A total of 87 children (aged 15-16 years) with a history of VLBW (<1500 g) and eight age matched full term controls have been studied with detailed magnetic resonance brain scans. Volume measurements of the caudate nuclei and hippocampal formations were made. RESULTS: Scans in 42.5% of the children showed evidence of perinatal brain injury. There was no significant difference in IQ, dyspraxia, or attention deficit between children with qualitatively normal and abnormal scans. However, quantitative volumetric analysis showed that children with a low IQ had smaller volume measurements for the right caudate nucleus and left hippocampus, and a smaller hippocampal ratio (left volume:right volume) than those with normal IQ. CONCLUSION: Data suggest that learning disorder, attention deficit, and dyspraxia in children who survive VLBW do not correlate with conventional markers of perinatal brain injury, and may be related to global brain growth and the development of key structures, such as the caudate nuclei and hippocampal formations.     

Brain volumes and cognitive function in very-low-birth-weight (VLBW) young adults

BackgroundPreterm born very-low-birth-weight (VLBW: birth weight ≤1500 g) survivors have increased risk of perinatal brain injury that may cause deviant brain development and later neuroimpairments, including reduced cognitive functioning.AimsIn this long-term follow up study of three year-cohorts (birth years 1986–88) of VLBW subjects and term born controls with normal birth weight, the aim was to examine differences in brain volumes at age 20 years. In addition, the relationships between brain volumes and cognitive abilities and perinatal variables were explored.MethodsForty-four VLBW subjects and 60 controls were assessed with cognitive testing (Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale – WAIS-III) and structural MRI at 1.5 T, using the FreeSurfer 5.1 software for volumetric analysis. A subpopulation had MRI performed also at age 15, and for this group changes in brain volumes with age were examined.ResultsThe VLBW subjects had smaller brain volumes, especially of thalamus, globus pallidus and parts of the corpus callosum, and larger lateral ventricles than controls at age 20. However, no significant group differences in longitudinal change from age 15 to 20 were observed. The most immature and smallest VLBW subjects at birth, and those with the highest perinatal morbidity, showed most pronounced volume deviations. Positive associations between several brain volumes and full IQ, as well as three of four IQ indices in the VLBW group, were observed.ConclusionReduced volumes of grey and white matter and ventricular dilatation in VLBW young adults may indicate permanent effects on brain development from perinatal brain injury with influence on later cognitive function.     

早产儿与足月儿胼胝体面积的对比研究

目的 比较足月儿与发育至同龄的极低出生体重（VLBW）早产儿胼胝体及其分区面积的差异,以期为早产儿胼胝体宫外生长发育监测提供参考。方法 24例胎龄为39周的足月儿于出生当日、30例VLBW早产儿于纠正胎龄39周时分别接受颅脑高场MRI检查,扫描序列为T1WI、T2WI和DWI,选择T1WI正中矢状位图像,共得到49例合格的颅脑MRI图像,其中足月儿组21例,VLBW早产儿组28例;由两名影像学医师于不同时间分别勾画两次胼胝体及大脑,使用MATLAB R2010a中的图像处理函数对所勾画的图像进行测量,得到胼胝体及其6个分区面积。结果 VLBW早产儿组整个胼胝体及其6个分区中的前中体部、后中体部、峡部和压部面积均小于与之同龄的足月儿组（均PP>0.05）。结论 早产儿胼胝体后部区域的发育可能更容易受到病理因素的影响。     

Very preterm infants at fourteen years: relationship with neonatal ultrasound brain scans and neurodevelopmental status at one year

A follow-up study was carried out on a cohort of 1142 very preterm (< 33 weeks) survivors who had ultrasound (US) brain scanning from birth. Follow-up was continued into adolescence, and included magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain at 14–15 y. Neonatal US findings and neurodevelopmental status at 1 y predicted outcome at 8 and 14 y, including cognitive development, poor inter-hemispheric interaction and school performance. MR brain imaging indicated that neonatal US accurately identified serious, permanent lesions in the brains of these very preterm infants, although US failed to recognise a large proportion of the abnormalities detected in adolescence by MRI. Atrophy of the corpus callosum was one of the commonest findings on MRI brain scans, supporting the hypothesis that damage to this important commissure may account for the poor school performance reported in very low birthweight infants.     

Academic achievement, behavioural outcomes and MRI findings at 15 years of age in very low birthweight children

Abstract Aim: To assess cognitive, academic and behavioural functions in 15-year-old very low birthweight (VLBW) children and relate results to gender, neonatal risk factors, growth and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings. Methods: Sixty-one out of 86 VLBW children and 57/86 term controls born in the south-east region of Sweden were assessed regarding cognition (WISC III), school outcome, behaviour and growth. VLBW children were examined using cerebral MRI. Results: VLBW children performed significantly lower than their term controls on WISC III and 49% had IQ lower than 85. Ten VLBW children with IQ < 70 had not been clinically identified earlier and a majority of these children attended mainstream school. VLBW girls had significantly lower total problems scores. Using MRI, white matter damage (WMD) was detected in 16 (27%) children. VLBW boys with WMD had significantly lower IQ than those without. Small occipito-frontal circumference (OFC) correlated with low IQ. Mechanical ventilation and intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH) showed significant correlations with lower IQ and reading skills. Conclusion: VLBW children achieved poorer results compared with their controls in cognitive tests. Mechanical ventilation and IVH were related to poorer academic outcome. Many of the children with low IQ had not been identified earlier. Therefore, we recommend that VLBW children undergo an IQ test before beginning school in order to receive adequate support.     

Abnormal cerebral MRI findings and neuroimpairments in very low birth weight (VLBW) adolescents

BACKGROUND: High prevalence of abnormal cerebral MRI findings as well as major and minor motor, perceptual and cognitive impairments has been reported in very low birth weight (VLBW) children. AIM: To investigate whether cerebral MRI pathology relates to different types of neuroimpairments in adolescents with VLBW. METHODS: At age 15, 55 adolescents with birth weight < or = 1500 g (VLBW) were examined. Motor function was evaluated by Movement Assessment Battery for Children (ABC) and the Grooved Pegboard (GP) test, cognitive function by Wechsler Intelligence Scales, and visuo-motor and visual perceptual function by The Developmental Test of Visual-Motor Integration (VMI) with the supplementary tests of Visual Perception (VP), and Motor Coordination (MC). Executive functions were assessed by Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) and the Stroop test. Cerebral MRI was assessed semi-quantitatively for ventricular, white and grey matter pathology. RESULTS: There was a rather weak relationship between MRI pathology and neuroimpairments. Poor performance on the WCST was related with ventricular dilatation (VD), white matter reduction and corpus callosum thinning. There was a correlation between results on the VMI test and the Movement ABC test and MRI pathology, but the correlation became much weaker when children with cerebral palsy were excluded. There was no relationship between MRI findings and estimated intelligence quotient (IQ) scores. Normal MRI predicted normal or near normal neuropsychological functioning. CONCLUSION: Cerebral MRI pathology suggestive of perinatal white matter injury was related to disadvantages in performances on executive functions, to a lesser degree to motor and visual perceptual problems, but not to cognitive impairments in VLBW adolescents.     

Systemic postnatal corticosteroids and magnetic resonance imaging measurements of corpus callosum and cerebellum of extremely preterm infants

Aim

To compare the size of the corpus callosum (CC) and cerebellum on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain scans conducted at term equivalent age (TEA) in extremely preterm infants who received systemic postnatal corticosteroids (PCS) to extremely preterm infants who did not receive systemic PCS and determine the dose-dependent effects on these outcomes.

Methods

Single-centre retrospective cohort study including extremely preterm infants (born < 26 weeks' gestation) who had MRI brain scans at TEA. CC and cerebellar measurements were evaluated by two radiologists who were blinded to steroid use and their independent measurements were averaged. Comparative analyses were conducted between exposed (to systemic PCS) and non-exposed groups.

Results

Eighty-three extremely preterm infants with mean (SD) 24.9 (0.91) weeks' gestational age, 721.8 (156) g birthweight were included; 38 with systemic PCS exposure and 45 without exposure. After adjustment for birthweight and other significant neonatal morbidities, there was no significant difference noted in corpus callosum length (CCL) between unexposed and exposed groups (adjusted mean (SE) 39.5 (0.57) mm vs. 38.5 (0.62) mm; P = 0.29). Similarly, the ratios of CCL/fronto-occipital diameter (FOD) and CCL/biparietal diameter (BPD) were not significantly different between the groups (CCL/FOD (0.40 (0.01) vs. 0.41 (0.01); P = 0.70) and CCL/BPD (0.51 (0.01) vs. 0.52 (0.01); P = 0.62)). Finally, no significant differences in cerebellar measurements, such as vermian height (adjusted mean (SE) 24.0 (0.46) mm vs. 23.5 (0.51 mm); P = 0.47) and transcerebellar diameter (adjusted mean (SE) 49.3 (0.74) mm vs. 4.78 (0.82) mm; P = 0.22) were found. No dose-dependent effects of systemic PCS on CC and cerebellar measurements were identified.

Conclusions

Systemic PCS use in extremely preterm infants was not associated with a change in the CC and cerebellar measurements on MRI brain scan at TEA.     

Caudate and hippocampal volumes, intelligence, and motor impairment in 7-year-old children who were born preterm

Children who survive very preterm birth without major disability have a high prevalence of learning difficulty, attention deficit, and minor motor impairment (MMI). To determine whether these difficulties are associated with structural brain abnormalities, we studied 105 preterm children (<32 wk) at 7 y with tests of IQ and MMI (Movement ABC) and detailed magnetic resonance brain scans. Scans were assessed qualitatively for visible cerebral lesions. Volume measurements of the caudate nuclei and hippocampal formations were made. Total brain volume (TBV) was estimated from the head circumference. Qualitative assessment of the scans showed evidence of cerebral lesions in 20 (19%), which were associated with lower IQ and more frequent MMI. IQ correlated with right and left caudate volume (Spearman's rho 0.304 and 0.349; p < 0.01). This association persisted (except for verbal IQ) when caudate volume was expressed as a percentage of estimated TBV to allow for overall brain size. No significant correlations with hippocampal volumes were observed. These differences persisted when only scans from children without visible lesions on scan were considered. MMI was significantly associated only with TBV and was more common in children with evidence of thinning of the posterior corpus callosum, although most children with MMI have a normal corpus callosum. Lower IQs in children who were born preterm are related to poorer development of the caudate relative to the rest of the brain, independent of other lesions. These findings suggest abnormal brain development after perinatal injury or postnatal nutritional deficits is responsible for cognitive deficits in preterm children.     

Cerebral MRI findings in very-low-birth-weight and small-for-gestational-age children at 15 years of age

Background: A high prevalence of abnormal cerebral MRI findings has been reported in low-birth-weight children. Objective: To compare MRI findings in very-low-birth-weight (VLBW) and term small-for-gestational-age (SGA) children with controls in early adolescence. Materials and methods: Cerebral MRI was used to examine 55 VLBW, 54 SGA and 66 controls at 15 years of age. The MR images were qualitatively assessed, and size of ventricles, white-matter and grey-matter abnormalities were reported. Results: The VLBW teenagers had a higher prevalence of various MRI abnormalities than SGA children and controls. Dilation of the ventricular system, especially of the occipital horns, was found in 82% of the VLBW group, in 19% of the SGA group and in 21% of controls. White-matter reduction was found in 53% of the VLBW, in 6% of the SGA and in 2% of controls. Corpus callosum thinning was found in 47% of the VLBW, in 2% of the SGA and in 6% of controls. Periventricular gliosis was found in 29% of the VLBW, in 4% of the SGA and in 8% of controls. Conclusions: Cerebral MRI pathology in white matter is a common finding in VLBW teenagers. The findings may indicate minor perinatal PVL with resulting loss of white-matter tissue and ventricular dilation.     

A fifteen-year follow-up of neurological conditions in VLBW children without overt disability: relation to gender, neonatal risk factors, and end stage MRI findings

BACKGROUND: Very low birthweight (VLBW; birthweight 相似文献   

基于纤维骨架空间统计方法对雷特综合征患儿脑白质结构与疾病严重度和发育水平的病例对照研究

背景：动物模型及细胞学水平研究提出雷特综合征(RTT)存在神经元发育不成熟及连接障碍,但在RTT患儿中大脑白质发育及连接情况不明。 目的：利用MR弥散张量成像（DTI）探讨RTT患儿白质参数指标异常情况及与疾病严重度和发育水平的相关性。 设计：病例对照研究。 方法：以复旦大学附属儿科医院（我院）符合典型RTT诊断,存在MECP2基因突变或缺失,行MR常规扫描、Griffith精神发育量表-中文版（GDS-C）测评和RTT严重程度评分（RSSS）的2~6岁患儿为RTT组,以与病例组同期在我院儿保科及神经内科因主诉头晕、头痛就诊并行头颅MR平扫未发现局灶性或者弥漫性颅内病变且行中国常模标准化量表丹佛发育筛查（DST）结果为正常的2~6岁女孩为对照组（TD组）。GDS-C、RSSS和DST测评均在我院儿童保健科完成,测评时间与MR检查相距≤1个月。统一使用我院MR设备,设定DTI序列行MR扫描并获得DTI的4项参数,利用基于纤维骨架的空间统计学（TBSS）进行统计学分析,获得两组间参数差异及定位脑区。 主要结局指标：RTT白质异常脑区与RSSS和GDS-C各能区的相关性。 结果：2014年6月至2021年6月RTT组22例、TD组23例进入分析,两组年龄差异无统计学意义。RTT组RSSS 测评5.5±1.33,GDS-C总发育商（DQ）15.8±6.8,其中运动能区发育商（ADQ）为30.2±10.6、个人-社会能区发育商（BDQ）为14.6±9.1、听力-语言能区发育商（CDQ）为15±7.7、手眼协调能区发育商（DDQ）为9.9±6.2、表现能区发育商（EDQ）为9.2±3.9。TD组DST测评总DQ为94~118 （103±7）。各向异性（FA）值RTT组低于TD组,平均弥散量（MD）值和径向弥散率（DR）值RTT组高于TD组,差异均有统计学意义;轴向弥散率（DA）值2组差异无统计学意义。DTI白质TBSS分析结果（FDR校正,P<0.05）：RTT组较TD组FA值减低的纤维束主要位于胼胝体的辐射线额部及压部、双侧上纵束、左侧下纵束、内囊后肢及钩形束;RTT组较TD组MD值增加的纤维束主要位于胼胝体体部;RTT组较TD组DR值增加的纤维束主要位于胼胝体膝部、压部及右侧矢状层;RTT组较TD组DA值增加的纤维束主要位于胼胝体体部和压部。RTT的RSSS得分与胼胝体辐射线额部和左侧上纵束的FA值呈负相关,与胼胝体体部MD值、DR值和DA值呈正相关。内囊后肢FA值与GDS-C总DQ、A~E能区的DQ均呈正相关。右侧矢状层DR值与GDS-C总DQ、A~E能区的DQ均呈负相关。 结论：RTT儿童可能存在胼胝体发育不良、大脑广泛性连接障碍及皮层下-皮层环路的结构和连接异常。     

Personality and behaviour in eight-year-old,non-handicapped children with birth weight under 1500 g

Personality and behavioural characteristics of a population-based cohort of 29 very low-birth-weight (VLBW) infants were compared with those of 29 matched, term controls at eight years of age. The VLBW infants were born to families of lower socioeconomic status (p = 0.04) and had a lower mean IQ (93 versus 104, p = 0.008) and motor abilities (p = 0.028). Based on the questionnaire personality inventory for children, the VLBW children had more learning difficulties and school coping problems, and the VLBW boys had more conduct and emotional problems than the controls. Except for conduct problems, these differences persisted after controlling for socioeconomic status. Generally, there were significant relationships between behaviour, IQ and motor abilities. In conclusion, VLBW may be a risk factor for the development of school coping and behavioural problems independent of socioeconomic status but often coexist with impaired cognitive and neuromotor function.     

Morphometry of the corpus callosum in Chinese children: relationship with gender and academic performance

Background: The corpus callosum has been widely studied, but no study has demonstrated whether its size and shape have any relationship with language and calculation performance. Objective: To examine the morphometry of the corpus callosum of normal Chinese children and its relationship with gender and academic performance. Materials and methods: One hundred primary school children (63 boys, 37 girls; age 6.5–10 years) were randomly selected and the standardized academic performance for each was ascertained. On the mid-sagittal section of a brain MRI, the length, height and total area of the corpus callosum and its thickness at different sites were measured. These were correlated with sex and academic performance. Results: Apart from the normal average dimension of the different parts of the corpus callosum, thickness at the body-splenium junction in the average-to-good performance group was significantly greater than the below-average performance group in Chinese language (P=0.005), English language (P=0.02) and mathematics (P=0.01). The remainder of the callosal thickness showed no significant relationship with academic performance. There was no significant sex difference in the thickness of any part of the corpus callosum. Conclusions: These findings raise the suggestion that language and mathematics proficiency may be related to the morphometry of the fibre connections in the posterior parietal lobes.     

Safety of magnetic resonance imaging in preterm infants

Aim: As we progress in our knowledge of preterm brain injury, cohort studies are focusing in neuroimaging preterm infants in the first days of life. Magnetic resonance (MR) is the most powerful neuroimaging modality and valuable in understanding perinatal brain injury. The main purpose of the study is to evaluate the safety of MR imaging in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants at our hospital settings where the scanner is located at some distance from the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Subjects and methods: This is a prospective study of 33 VLBW infants who underwent early MR imaging (MRI), within 10 days after birth and term corrected age MRI. The study period included June to December 2008. Results: A total of 46 MRI were performed on 33 preterm infants. The mean total time the infants stayed in the bore of the magnet was 13.04 min. No incidences occurred during transfer or during the scans, and no significant changes were found in heart rate, oxygen saturation and temperature. Conclusions: At our hospital settings, the process of transport and MR imaging have been proven to be safe and not to disturb any of the variables measured. MRI should not be restricted to centres with neonatal MR system or MR‐compatible incubator, as long as the process is coordinated and supervised by a multidisciplinary team.     

Follow-up studies of very low birthweight children in Sweden

Follow‐up studies are essential to our knowledge of outcome in very low birthweight (VLBW) or extremely preterm (EPT) infants because those children have a greater risk for developing neurosensory disabilities and behavioural and educational problems and have decreased probability for an optimal transition into adulthood compared to term controls. Outcome data are of interest not only to healthcare professionals but also to parents, schoolteachers and society. The aim of this review is to describe the follow‐up studies of seven populations of VLBW or EPT infants performed in Sweden and published between 1995 and 2009. Conclusion: The time has come to implement evident data from these Swedish follow‐up studies into clinical practice and to perform regular and specific follow‐up examinations during childhood for all VLBW and EPT children. These assessments, specially designed for high‐risk infants, should consider the potential outcomes for neurological, visual, auditory function and cognitive function as well as behaviour and growth, from birth to school‐start.     

Renal function and volume of infants born with a very low birth‐weight: a preliminary cross‐sectional study

Aim: The aim of our study was to compare the function and volumes of kidneys of very low birth‐weight (VLBW) and of extremely low birth‐weight (ELBW) infants at pre‐school ages. Patients and methods: We did a revision of the neonatal records of infants born in our hospital that weighed ≤1500 g at birth. The children were divided into two groups according to their weight at birth: ELBW (<1000 g) and VLBW (1000–1500 g). At the age of 5.7 ± 1.4 years, the children underwent clinical, laboratory and ultrasound renal assessments. Results: Sixty‐nine children fulfilled the requirements for the study. The rate of neonatal treatment with aminoglycosides was higher in ELBW preterms. Renal function parameters, i.e. estimated glomerular filtration rate and albuminuria, did not differ between the two groups of children. Urinary α1‐microglobulin excretion was significantly higher and kidneys were significantly smaller in the ELBW group than in the VLBW group. Conclusion: No impairment or differences in renal parameters were found in pre‐school children born ELBW compared with those born with VLBW, except for differences in kidney volume, renal cortical thickness and urinary α1‐microglobulin excretion. Thus, patients born with ELBW would require a longer follow‐up period.     

Morbidity and neurological function of very low birthweight infants from the newborn period to 4y of age. A prospective study from the south-east region of Sweden

All 107 infants weighing ≤1500 g at birth (VLBW) and born alive in the south-east region of Sweden during a 15-month period in 1987-88 were enrolled in a prospective study to determine the prevalence of handicap and to assess neurological function in comparison with controls. Eighty-six (80%) infants survived. Twenty (19%) had intracranial haemorrhages (ICH) assessed by ultrasound examinations in the neonatal period and 2 (2.3%) retinopathy of prematurity stage 3 or more. The VLBW infants who survived had fewer optimal neurological responses than the controls at 40 weeks post-conceptional age. Eighty-two VLBW children were followed to 4y of age. Three (4%) children had a neurological handicap and 9 (11%) had a moderate neurological deviation. Neither the size of ICH nor neonatal optimality score correlated to neurological outcome at 4 y of age. The VLBW children without neurological handicap or deviation (n = 70) had a delay in psychomotor development in comparison with the controls. Mental development and school performance, in particular language development, will be examined at school age.     

Effect of thyroxine on brain microstructure in extremely premature babies: magnetic resonance imaging findings in the TIPIT study

Background

In order to assess relationships between thyroid hormone status and findings on brain MRI, a subset of babies was recruited to a multi-centre randomised, placebo-controlled trial of levothyroxine (LT4) supplementation for babies born before 28 weeks’ gestation (known as the TIPIT study, for Thyroxine supplementation In Preterm InfanTs). These infants were imaged at term-equivalence.

Materials and methods

Forty-five TIPIT participants had brain MRI using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to estimate white matter development by apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), fractional anisotropy (FA) and tractography metrics of number and length of streamlines. We made comparisons between babies with the lowest and highest plasma FT4 concentrations during the initial 4 weeks after birth.

Results

There were no differences in DTI metrics between babies who had received LT4 supplementation and those who had received a placebo. Among recipients of a placebo, babies in the lowest quartile of plasma-free thyroxine (FT4) concentrations had significantly higher apparent diffusion coefficient measurements in the posterior corpus callosum and streamlines that were shorter and less numerous in the right internal capsule. Among LT4-supplemented babies, those who had plasma FT4 concentrations in the highest quartile had significantly lower apparent diffusion coefficient values in the left occipital lobe, higher fractional anisotropy in the anterior corpus callosum and longer and more numerous streamlines in the anterior corpus callosum.

Conclusion

DTI variables were not associated with allocation of placebo or thyroid supplementation. Markers of poorly organised brain microstructure were associated with low plasma FT4 concentrations after birth. The findings suggest that plasma FT4 concentrations affect brain development in very immature infants and that the effect of LT4 supplementation for immature babies with low FT4 plasma concentrations warrants further study.     

Infant brain structures,executive function,and attention deficit/hyperactivity problems at preschool age. A prospective study

Background: Neuroimaging findings have provided evidence for a relation between variations in brain structures and Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). However, longitudinal neuroimaging studies are typically confined to children who have already been diagnosed with ADHD. In a population‐based study, we aimed to characterize the prospective association between brain structures measured during infancy and executive function and attention deficit/hyperactivity problems assessed at preschool age. Methods: In the Generation R Study, the corpus callosum length, the gangliothalamic ovoid diameter (encompassing the basal ganglia and thalamus), and the ventricular volume were measured in 784 6‐week‐old children using cranial postnatal ultrasounds. Parents rated executive functioning at 4 years using the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function‐Preschool Version in five dimensions: inhibition, shifting, emotional control, working memory, and planning/organizing. Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Problems were assessed at ages 3 and 5 years using the Child Behavior Checklist. Results: A smaller corpus callosum length during infancy was associated with greater deficits in executive functioning at 4 years. This was accounted for by higher problem scores on inhibition and emotional control. The corpus callosum length during infancy did not predict Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Problem at 3 and 5 years, when controlling for the confounders. We did not find any relation between gangliothalamic ovoid diameter and executive function or Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Problem. Conclusions: Variations in brain structures detectible in infants predicted subtle impairments in inhibition and emotional control. However, in this population‐based study, we could not demonstrate that early structural brain variations precede symptoms of ADHD.