Young JM, et al. - In this prospective study, researchers used diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging (NODDI) metrics to compare white matter across the whole brain in children born very preterm and full-term children at six years of age. In addition, they studied connections between white matter microstructure and early brain injury and developmental results. In 23 children born very preterm and 24 full-term controls, multi-shell diffusion imaging, T1-weighted anatomical MR images and developmental assessments were acquired. Lower orientation dispersion index (ODI) was found in those with a history of white matter injury within the corona radiata. Compared to full-term children, those born very preterm show lower fractional anisotropy and higher ODI. Beyond DTI metrics, NODDI metrics give more biologically precise information as well as additional information about how on cognitive outcomes at the age of six are impacted by the microstructure of prematurity and white matter.