MRI findings in kernicterus: Report of three cases

Abstract

We report brain magnetic resonance imaging findings in three infants who had severe neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, and presented later on with different neurological manifestations. Two children presented at 6 months of age with global developmental delay, dystonia and hearing impairment. The third child presented with developmental delay, nystagmus and superior gaze palsy at ten months of age. The history and clinical picture suggested sequelae of bilirubin encephalopathy (kernicterus). Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain in all the patients revealed hyperintensity in bilateral globus pallidus on T2-weighted images. Increased apparent diffusion coefficient values were observed in the affected regions on diffusion-weighted imaging, which has not been reported previously.

Keywords

Neonate - infant - kernicterus - MRI - DWI - ADC values