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Updated: Jul 2, 2025
State of the Art Cranial Ultrasound Imaging in Neonates
Published on: February 2, 2015
Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Dural Sinus Malformation in a Fetus: A Case Report
Fangli Li1, Hui Gao2, Huashan Lin3
1Department of Radiology, Second People Hospital of Hunan, Changsha, Hunan Province, China.
Background:
Dural sinus malformation (DSM) is a rather rare congenital condition that can be encountered in the fetus and infants. The cause and etiology of DSM remain unclear. Obstetric ultrasound plays a key role in screening fetal brain malformations, and MRI is frequently used as a complementary method to confirm the diagnosis and provide more details.
Objective:
Here, we present a fetus with DSM by multiple imaging methods to help better understand the imaging characteristics of this malformation.
Case Presentation:
A 22-year-old primipara was referred to our hospital at 25 weeks of gestation following the detection of a fetal intracranial mass without any symptoms. A prenatal ultrasound performed in our hospital at 25 + 2 gestational weeks showed a large anechoic mass with liquid dark space, while no blood flow was detected. After the initial evaluation, this primipara received a prenatal MRI in our hospital. This examination at 25 + 5 gestational weeks delineated a fan-shaped mass in the torcular herophili, which was iso-to hyperintense on T1WI and hypointense on T2WI. At the lower part of this lesion, a quasi-circular hyperintense on T1WI and a signal slightly hyperintense on T2WI could be seen. Meanwhile, the adjacent brain parenchyma was compressed by the mass.
Conclusion:
We reviewed the current literature to obtain a better understanding of the mechanisms, imaging characteristics, and survival status of DSM. Although the primipara of the present study regretfully opted for elective termination of pregnancy, the reevaluation of DSM survival deserves more attention because of the better survival data from recent studies.
Insights
Dural sinus malformation (DSM) is a rare congenital fetal condition with unclear causes. This case highlights key imaging findings of DSM in a fetus, emphasizing the need for better understanding of its survival data.
Area of Science:
- Fetal Medicine
- Neurology
- Radiology
Background:
- Dural sinus malformation (DSM) is a rare congenital condition affecting fetuses and infants.
- The etiology and pathogenesis of DSM remain largely unknown.
- Obstetric ultrasound is crucial for screening fetal brain anomalies, with MRI providing detailed diagnostic information.
Approach:
- Presents a case of fetal DSM diagnosed using multiple imaging modalities.
- Utilizes prenatal ultrasound and MRI to characterize the malformation.
- Reviews existing literature on DSM mechanisms, imaging, and survival.
Key Points:
- Prenatal ultrasound revealed a large, anechoic intracranial mass without blood flow.
- Fetal MRI demonstrated a fan-shaped mass in the torcular herophili with specific signal intensities on T1WI and T2WI.
- The mass exhibited compression of adjacent brain parenchyma.
Conclusions:
- DSM imaging characteristics can be delineated through advanced prenatal imaging.
- While this pregnancy was terminated, recent data suggest improved survival rates for DSM warranting further attention.
- Further research into DSM mechanisms and long-term outcomes is recommended.
