Corpus callosum alterations in very preterm infants: perinatal correlates and 2 year neurodevelopmental outcomes

The aim of this study was to relate altered corpus callosum (CC) integrity in 106 very preterm (VPT) infants (< 30 weeks' gestational age or < 1250 g birth weight) at term equivalent to perinatal predictors and neurodevelopmental outcomes at two years. T1 and diffusion magnetic resonance images were obtained. The CC was traced, and divided into six sub-regions for cross-sectional area and shape analyses. Fractional anisotropy, mean, axial and radial diffusivity were sampled within the CC, and probabilistic tractography was performed. Perinatal predictors were explored. The Bayley Scales of Infant Development (BSID-II) was administered at two years. Intraventricular hemorrhage was associated with a smaller genu and altered diffusion values within the anterior and posterior CC of VPT infants. White matter injury was associated with widespread alterations to callosal diffusion values, especially posteriorly, and radial diffusivity was particularly elevated, indicating altered myelination. Reduced CC tract volume related to lower gestational age, particularly posteriorly. Reduced posterior callosal skew was associated with postnatal corticosteroid exposure. This more circular CC was associated with delayed cognitive development. Higher diffusivity, particularly in splenium tracts, was associated with impaired motor development. This study elucidates perinatal predictors and adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes associated with altered callosal integrity in VPT infants.