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MR of fetal central nervous system abnormalities
W T Yuh1, H D Nguyen, D J Fisher
1Department of Radiology, University of Iowa College of Medicine, Iowa City 52242.
AJNR. American Journal of Neuroradiology
|March 1, 1994
Summary
Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging can offer crucial insights into fetal central nervous system abnormalities detected by ultrasound. In 27% of cases, MR provided additional diagnostic information, influencing patient management.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Fetal Medicine
- Neurology
Background:
- Prenatal diagnosis of fetal central nervous system (CNS) abnormalities relies heavily on ultrasonography.
- Limitations in ultrasound resolution can sometimes hinder definitive diagnosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the added value of fetal Magnetic Resonance (MR) imaging in cases with suspected CNS anomalies identified via ultrasound.
- To determine if MR imaging provides supplementary diagnostic information beyond standard sonography.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 22 pregnant women with fetuses exhibiting CNS anomalies on ultrasound.
- Fetal MR examinations were performed.
- Postpartum diagnoses were confirmed through MR, CT, autopsy, or surgery.
Main Results:
- MR image quality was comparable to ultrasound.
- In 27% of cases (6 out of 22), MR provided additional information that altered the initial ultrasound diagnosis.
- Diagnoses altered by MR included infarction, diastematomyelia, normal hemimegalencephaly with early myelination, Dandy-Walker variant, and lipoma.
- Treatment plans were changed in 3 out of 6 cases based on MR findings.
Conclusions:
- Fetal MR imaging can provide valuable supplementary information for evaluating CNS abnormalities.
- MR can refine diagnoses and impact management decisions in specific fetal cases.
- The use of MR should be considered in complex or uncertain prenatal CNS anomaly evaluations.