Exploring the Correlation Between MAGIC Values in Lesion Areas and Serum Bilirubin in Neonates with Hyperbilirubinemia Using Magnetic Resonance MAGIC Imaging Technology

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the application value of magnetic resonance MAGIC (Multi‑Acquisition Gradient Echo Imaging with Contrast) imaging in neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, analyze the correlation between MAGIC values in cerebral regions of interest (ROI) and total serum bilirubin (TSB) levels, and evaluate the potential of MAGIC imaging for early identification of bilirubin-induced brain injury. Methods: A retrospective collection of 62 full-term neonates with hyperbilirubinemia admitted to our hospital’s neonatal department from January 2022 to June 2024 was conducted. Patients were categorized into mild (TSB <257 μmol/L), moderate (257 μmol/L ≤ TSB <342 μmol/L), and severe (TSB ≥342 μmol/L) groups based on TSB levels. Additionally, 20 healthy full-term neonates without jaundice or neurological abnormalities were selected as controls. All subjects underwent cranial MAGIC sequence scans within 72 hours to 14 days after birth. ROIs were manually delineated in the bilateral globus pallidus, putamen, and thalamus to measure MAGIC values. Peak TSB levels were recorded for each group. One-way ANOVA was used to compare MAGIC value differences across groups, and Pearson correlation analysis was performed to assess the relationship between globus pallidus MAGIC values and peak TSB levels. Results: The MAGIC values of the bilateral globus pallidus in the severe hyperbilirubinemia group were significantly higher than those in the control group, mild group, and moderate group, with statistically significant differences (P < 0.05). No statistically significant differences in MAGIC values were observed among groups in the putamen and thalamus (P > 0.05). The MAGIC values of the globus pallidus showed a significant positive correlation with peak serum TSB levels (r = 0.726, P < 0.001). Conclusion: MAGIC magnetic resonance imaging can quantitatively detect signal changes in the globus pallidus. The MAGIC values of the globus pallidus exhibit a clear correlation with serum total bilirubin levels, making them a non-invasive imaging indicator for early screening and assessment of neonatal bilirubin-induced brain injury.