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Updated: Jul 4, 2026
10:02
State of the Art Cranial Ultrasound Imaging in Neonates
Published on: February 2, 2015
[Post-mortem MRI in newborns when autopsy is not permitted].
K G J A Voogdt1, R J Vermeulen, J I M L Verbeke
1Afd. Kindergeneeskunde, VU Medisch Centrum, Postbus 7057, 1007 MB Amsterdam.
Nederlands Tijdschrift Voor Geneeskunde
|July 2, 2008
Summary
Post-mortem MRI can identify abnormalities in newborns when autopsy is not possible. This imaging technique aids in determining the cause of death in neonatal cases, offering an alternative to traditional autopsy.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Neonatal Medicine
- Forensic Pathology
Background:
- Autopsy is the standard for determining neonatal cause of death.
- Parental refusal for autopsy is common, necessitating alternative methods.
- Post-mortem Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) offers a non-invasive option.
Observation:
- Two newborns died shortly after birth (2 and 8 hours).
- Autopsy was declined, but post-mortem MRI was performed.
- Case 1 showed Potter's sequence abnormalities (pulmonary hypoplasia, absent kidneys/ureters).
- Case 2 revealed intracranial bleeding with a torn cerebellar tentorium on MRI.
Findings:
- Post-mortem MRI successfully visualized significant congenital abnormalities in both cases.
- MRI identified Potter's sequence features, including pulmonary hypoplasia and renal agenesis.
- MRI revealed intracranial hemorrhage and dural tears in the second neonate.
Implications:
- Post-mortem MRI is a valuable tool for investigating neonatal deaths when autopsy is not feasible.
- This technique can detect central nervous system and organ abnormalities.
- While effective for many structures, cardiac anomaly detection via MRI remains challenging.
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