Neonatal ECMO: neuroimaging and neurodevelopmental outcome

Intracranial injury continues to be a major complication associated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO)-treated neonates. The reported frequency of abnormal neuroimaging has ranged from 28% to 52%, depending on neuroimaging techniques and methods of classification. The purpose of this chapter is to describe types of imaging techniques commonly used to evaluate the ECMO neonate, to specify different types of injuries that have been reported, and to identify factors which increase the risk of injury. We will then describe the functional impact at age 5 years following neonatal brain injury among ECMO infants.