Prenatal diagnosis of open spina bifida by MRI and ultrasonography

A case that was diagnosed prenatally as having open spina bifida by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound (US) examination is reported. At the time of the third US examination, the spina bifida cystica was detected, but it could not be determined by US whether it was open or closed spina bifida. A lumbosacral skin defect was detected on MRI, which permitted prenatal diagnosis of open spina bifida. Surgical repair was performed immediately after delivery. Prenatal intrauterine evaluation of the fetal CNS morphology and malformation has advanced with the improvement of diagnostic tools. Each diagnostic tool, however, has its own advantages and disadvantages. In prenatal intrauterine evaluation, it is important that observation be made through the combined use of multiple diagnostic tools.