Brain fetal neuroradiology: a beginner's guide

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Prenatal Diagnosis
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is increasingly vital for diagnosing central nervous system (CNS) anomalies.
• It serves as a third-level examination, often following expert neuro-ultrasonography (US) or known genetic disorders.
• MRI offers superior visualization of fetal brain structures compared to US, detecting anomalies missed by ultrasound.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a practical guide for trainees and fellows on fetal MRI.
• To cover indications, safety, and protocols for state-of-the-art fetal MRI sequences.
• To review normal fetal brain development and common CNS and spine abnormalities.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature and clinical practices in fetal MRI.
• Discussion of advanced MRI technologies, including ultrafast sequences and 3T scanners.
• Integration of knowledge on normal fetal brain development and MR appearance.

Main Results:

• Fetal MRI provides detailed characterization of fetal brain structures, improving anomaly detection.
• Advanced MRI techniques minimize motion artifacts and enable sophisticated studies.
• Knowledge of normal development is crucial for identifying abnormalities.

Conclusions:

• Fetal MRI is a powerful tool for prenatal diagnosis of CNS anomalies, aiding in pregnancy management and counseling.
• Trainees benefit from understanding MRI protocols, safety, and interpretation of fetal neuroimaging.
• Accurate diagnosis relies on expertise in fetal neuroanatomy and pathology via MRI.