Fetal Brain MRI: Novel Classification and Contribution to Sonography

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Fetal Medicine
• Neurology

Background:

• Fetal brain MRI is a valuable tool for prenatal diagnosis.
• Understanding its indications is crucial for optimizing its use.

Purpose of the Study:

• To classify indications for fetal brain MRI.
• To assess MRI's contribution to fetal neurosonography.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective study of fetal brain MRI scans.
• Analysis of indications and gestational age at examination.

Main Results:

• 633 patients underwent 733 fetal MRI scans.
• Primary indications: suspected brain anomaly (52.9%), non-CNS disorders (32.5%), obstetrical complications (14.6%).
• Common findings included lateral ventricle and cerebral cortex abnormalities.

Conclusions:

• Fetal brain MRI has diverse and expanding indications.
• It is particularly valuable in complicated monochorionic-biamniotic twin pregnancies.
• MRI enhances prenatal evaluation for various fetal conditions.