Question
During a one-month-old neonate’s MRI, a patchy T1 low, T2 low signal shadow was found adjacent to the left lateral ventricle, with a surrounding ring-shaped high signal. Does this mean that jaundice has already affected the brain?
Answer
Hello! Based on the results of the cranial MRI, the patchy T1 low, T2 low signal shadow adjacent to the left lateral ventricle, as well as the surrounding ring-shaped high signal, may be related to kernicterus. Kernicterus is a severe neonatal disease characterized by jaundice caused by congenital or neonatal constitutional factors and an excessive number of nucleated red blood cells in the blood. It also produces neurological symptoms due to the harmful effects of bilirubin on central nervous tissue. Early treatment for kernicterus should focus on lowering serum unconjugated bilirubin levels, which can be achieved through intravenous fluid administration to provide calories, intravenous infusion of albumin or plasma, and dexamethasone, along with oral phenobarbital.