[Diagnosis of malformations of the central nervous system using foetal magnetic resonance imaging]

Ultrasonography is the preferred diagnostic imaging technique for studying the intrauterine foetus. Yet, occasionally certain circumstances arise where it is necessary to use other techniques in order to achieve a better analysis of the foetal structures. The development of ultra-high speed magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has now been applied to the study of the foetus, since it allows images to be obtained in extremely short times and the effects of movements by the mother or the foetus have little influence on the results. It is a type of imaging that does not use ionising radiations and offers high contrast images in any plane without being influenced by the physical characteristics of the expectant mother or the position of the foetus.

To make the technique and the use of MRI in foetal studies more widely known, as well as to review the role played by MRI in the study and treatment of foetal deformations of the central nervous system detected within the uterus.

Anomalies of the central nervous system constitute the most frequent cause of visits for prenatal diagnosis. They usually have a poor prognosis due to the likelihood of important sequelae and are a cause of great concern to the parents. They are often associated with genetic and chromosomal disorders.