Evaluation of the fetal cerebellum by magnetic resonance imaging

Obstetric protocols dictate that the fetal cerebellum should always be assessed during sonograms during pregnancy. For various reasons, including technical limitations or inconclusive sonographic findings, suspicion of cerebellar abnormalities is one of the most common indications for prenatal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Although sonography is the imaging technique of choice to assess the cerebellum, MRI shows the anatomy of the posterior fossa and abnormalities in the development of the fetal cerebellum in greater detail and thus enables a more accurate prenatal diagnosis. We describe and illustrate the normal anatomy of the fetal cerebellum on MRI as well as the different diseases that can affect its development. Moreover, we review the most appropriate terminology to define developmental abnormalities, their differential diagnoses, and the role of MRI in the prenatal evaluation of the posterior fossa.