[Fetal neuropathology: a new approach]

Recognition of central nervous system (CNS) abnormalities by prenatal imaging has awakened interest in fetal neuropathology, considered as a terra incognita by most pathologists. The evaluation of fetal brains implies a perfect knowledge of the timing and characteristics of the developing and changing nervous system during gestation. Disorders of the brain are now studied with special regard toward their cause analysis considering fetal, maternal, and placental pathology. Thus, with this new approach and the distinction between primary and secondary CNS lesions, an effective genetic counselling has become a realistic goal. Examining fetal brains has led on the other land, to the recognition of distinct entities and the identification of specific chromosomal and/or gene(s) abnormalities.