Neuroanatomical correlates of sensory deficits in children with neonatal arterial ischemic stroke.

Aim: Our aim was to characterize the sensory processing outcome following neonatal arterial ischemic stroke (NAIS) and identify neuroanatomical correlates of abnormal sensory processing.

Method: We evaluated children with NAIS longitudinally at 12 months, 18 months, and/or 30 months in areas of cognitive, motor, and language development. We gathered sensory processing data using the Sensory Profile-2 Caregiver Questionnaire. These data were analyzed against early magnetic resonance imaging using a voxel-based approach.

Results: Eighteen children (10 males, 8 females) with NAIS were evaluated longitudinally, of which six exhibited atypical sensory processing. Children with sensory processing deficits had lower overall developmental scores in motor, cognitive, and language domains. Neuroanatomical correlates were identified in the posterior periventricular white matter extending superiorly into the supramarginal gyrus, and inferiorly into the fusiform and inferior temporal gyri.

Interpretation: Our results provide new evidence that children with NAIS may experience difficulty processing sensory information, which is most likely associated with injuries in the posterior periventricular white matter, supramarginal gyrus, fusiform gyrus, and posterior thalamic radiation.

What This Paper Adds: Atypical sensory processing is common in children with neonatal arterial ischemic stroke (NAIS). NAIS territories in sensory areas were correlated with atypical sensory processing behaviors. Children with NAIS may benefit from early interventions targeted toward sensory processing. Future research mapping NAIS injuries using early magnetic resonance imaging may predict long-term outcomes.