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Published on: February 2, 2015
Fetal anomalies: comparison of MR imaging and US for diagnosis
Mary C Frates1, Ada J Kumar, Carol B Benson
1Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis St, Boston, MA 02115, USA. mfrates@partners.org
Purpose:
To compare prenatal ultrasonography (US) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging for the diagnosis of fetal anomalies.
Materials And Methods:
Images of 27 fetuses (28 diagnostic cases) with anomalies diagnosed at US were evaluated; in these fetuses, prenatal MR imaging was performed within 15 days of US. Prenatal US and MR imaging findings were compared with postnatal diagnoses. Postnatal evaluation included US, MR imaging, autopsy, surgery, voiding cystourethrography, computed tomography, angiography, and physical examination.
Results:
In seven diagnostic cases, US and MR imaging findings were in complete agreement with postnatal diagnoses. MR imaging correctly provided additional information to the US-determined diagnosis in another seven and correctly changed the US diagnosis in three. The MR imaging-determined diagnosis was incorrect and the US diagnosis was correct in four cases. In seven cases, the diagnoses at both US and MR imaging were incorrect when correlated with the postnatal outcome. MR imaging was most valuable in the assessment of anomalies of the central nervous system.
Conclusion:
MR imaging may have a place as an adjunct to US in evaluation of fetal anomalies, particularly those involving the central nervous system.
Insights
Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging can supplement prenatal ultrasonography (US) for diagnosing fetal anomalies. MR imaging offers valuable insights, especially for central nervous system abnormalities, improving diagnostic accuracy.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Prenatal Diagnosis
- Fetal Medicine
Background:
- Prenatal diagnosis of fetal anomalies is crucial for appropriate management.
- Ultrasonography (US) is the primary imaging modality, but limitations exist.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the diagnostic accuracy of prenatal ultrasonography (US) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging for fetal anomalies.
- To evaluate the added value of MR imaging in conjunction with US.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 27 fetuses (28 cases) with US-diagnosed anomalies.
- Prenatal MR imaging performed within 15 days of US.
- Comparison of US and MR imaging findings with postnatal diagnoses (including US, MR, autopsy, surgery, etc.).
Main Results:
- Complete agreement between US, MR imaging, and postnatal diagnosis in 7 cases.
- MR imaging provided additional information in 7 cases and changed the US diagnosis in 3 cases.
- MR imaging was most valuable for central nervous system anomalies.
Conclusions:
- MR imaging can serve as an adjunct to US in evaluating fetal anomalies.
- MR imaging is particularly beneficial for central nervous system anomalies.
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