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Does prenatal MRI enhance fetal diagnosis of intra-abdominal cysts?
Florence Hugele1, Coralie Dumont1, Pierre Boulot1
1Service de gynécologie-obstétrique, Pôle mère-enfant, Hôpital Arnaud-de-Villeneuve, Montpellier Cedex 5, France.
Objective:
The aim of this study was to evaluate the contribution of prenatal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to ultrasound (US) in the prenatal diagnosis of intra-abdominal cystic masses, correlated with the postnatal diagnosis.
Methods:
In this retrospective, observational study, prenatal MRI and US diagnoses were compared with postnatal diagnoses. MRI was performed in 56 fetuses with intra-abdominal cyst diagnosed by US between 2004 and 2013. Final diagnosis, revealed by postnatal evaluation, was obtained for 49 of them and was taken as the reference. MRI was evaluated as superior, equal, or inferior to US.
Results:
An accurate diagnosis was provided by US in 25 cases (51%) and by MRI in 36 out of the 49 cases (73.4%). MRI corrected the US diagnosis in 13 cases (26.5%) by providing a more precise localization or additional etiologic information. In two cases (4%), MRI wrongly changed the diagnosis correctly made by US.
Conclusion:
Prenatal MRI better characterized the nature of abdominal cystic lesions previously diagnosed by US in 13 cases. This enhanced postnatal therapeutic planning and so improved parental counseling and pregnancy management.
Insights
Prenatal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) improved the diagnosis of fetal intra-abdominal cystic masses compared to ultrasound (US). MRI enhanced diagnostic accuracy and aided in better prenatal planning and parental counseling.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Fetal Medicine
- Diagnostic Radiology
Background:
- Prenatal diagnosis of intra-abdominal cystic masses is crucial for fetal health.
- Ultrasound (US) is the primary imaging modality, but its diagnostic accuracy can be limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the added value of prenatal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to ultrasound (US) in diagnosing fetal intra-abdominal cystic masses.
- To compare prenatal diagnoses with postnatal evaluations.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective observational study comparing prenatal MRI and US with postnatal diagnoses.
- MRI was performed on 56 fetuses with US-diagnosed intra-abdominal cysts.
- Postnatal evaluation served as the reference standard for 49 cases.
Main Results:
- Ultrasound (US) provided accurate diagnoses in 51% of cases.
- Prenatal MRI improved diagnostic accuracy to 73.4% (36/49 cases).
- MRI corrected or refined the US diagnosis in 26.5% of cases, offering better localization and etiological information.
Conclusions:
- Prenatal MRI significantly enhances the characterization of fetal abdominal cystic lesions.
- Improved prenatal diagnosis through MRI facilitates better postnatal therapeutic planning.
- Enhanced diagnostic capabilities lead to improved parental counseling and pregnancy management.
