Osteogenesis imperfecta type II: fetal magnetic resonance imaging findings

We describe the prenatal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in a 25-week-old fetus with proven osteogenesis imperfecta type II. Fetal MRI findings are correlated with prenatal ultrasonography, conventional x-ray fetography and postpartal findings. Fetal MRI proves to be superior to conventional fetography in the evaluation of the skeletal findings. The high soft tissue resolution, the large field of view and the multiplanar imaging make it possible to study the non-ossified fetal skeleton in detail. Compared to prenatal ultrasonography, fetal MRI gives important additional information about the expected lung functionality by estimating fetal lung volume and signal intensity and rules out possible additional abnormalities of major fetal organs. These parameters may serve as valuable, additional prognostic markers in the prenatal diagnostic work-up.