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Updated: Jul 2, 2026
10:02
State of the Art Cranial Ultrasound Imaging in Neonates
Published on: February 2, 2015
Fetal central nervous system malformations on MR images
Izabela Herman-Sucharska1, Monika Bekiesińska-Figatowska, Andrzej Urbanik
1MRI Unit, Radiology Department of Collegium Medicum of Jagiellonian University, Kopernika Street, 19 Kraków, Poland. isuchar@poczta.onet.pl
Brain & Development
|September 3, 2008
Summary
Fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) enhances prenatal diagnosis by confirming and characterizing central nervous system (CNS) malformations when sonography is insufficient. It provides detailed evaluation of CNS anomalies, aiding in accurate diagnosis and management.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Prenatal Diagnosis
- Neurology
Background:
- Sonography is the primary method for prenatal malformation screening.
- Sonography can lack sufficient detail for definitive diagnosis or comprehensive abnormality assessment.
- Fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) serves as a crucial second-line tool.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the role of fetal MRI in confirming, completing, and correcting sonographic findings.
- To highlight the utility of fetal MRI in assessing central nervous system (CNS) pathologies.
- To describe common CNS anomalies detected by fetal MRI chronologically by gestational age.
Main Methods:
- Review of fetal MRI cases with common CNS anomalies.
- Correlation of findings with gestational age.
- Integration of personal experience and literature review.
Main Results:
- Fetal MRI is valuable for evaluating CNS pathologies, particularly midline and posterior fossa malformations.
- MRI aids in defining the full extent and characterization of lesions.
- Associated abnormalities are effectively demonstrated by fetal MRI.
Conclusions:
- Fetal MRI is an indispensable tool for detailed prenatal evaluation of CNS malformations.
- It complements sonography by providing crucial diagnostic information.
- The chronological presentation aids in understanding anomaly development during pregnancy.
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