Cerebral proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy of neonates after extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

During venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation the right carotid artery is ligated in a hypoxic neonate. The aim of the present study was to compare the morphology and metabolism of the left and right basal ganglia in 10 neonates after extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, using proton magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy. Data could be obtained in 9 neonates. No significant metabolic differences were found between either the left or right basal ganglia, despite a small right-sided thalamic infarct in one child. Metabolism was normal in all cases. All the infants showed symmetrical neurodevelopment.

Conclusion: Ligation of the right carotid artery for venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation did not produce persistent changes in brain metabolism in the basal ganglia in this small group of patients.