Malformations of cortical development on fetal MRI

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Developmental Biology
• Radiology

Background:

• Malformations of cortical development (MCDs) encompass a range of conditions including neuronal migrational anomalies, cortical dysplasias, hemimegalencephaly, and microcephalies.
• MCDs arise from multifactorial etiologies, including genetic, environmental, vascular, and infectious insults, primarily during the late first to late second trimester of gestation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To illustrate the neonatal correlates of various neuronal migration anomalies as detected by fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
• To highlight potential diagnostic challenges, such as physiologic immaturity of sulci and mimics of migration anomalies, in fetal MRI interpretation.

Main Methods:

• Review and illustration of fetal MRI scans demonstrating MCDs.
• Correlation of imaging findings with known etiologies and developmental timing.

Main Results:

• Demonstration of characteristic fetal MRI features associated with different types of MCDs.
• Identification of specific imaging findings that can mimic true neuronal migration anomalies.

Conclusions:

• Fetal MRI is a valuable tool for detecting and characterizing MCDs.
• Awareness of normal developmental variations and potential mimics is crucial for accurate diagnosis of MCDs in utero.