MR imaging of the fetal brain (original) (raw)
Related papers
Clinical Applications of Fetal MRI in the Brain
Diagnostics, 2022
Fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has become a widely used tool in clinical practice, providing increased accuracy in prenatal diagnoses of congenital abnormalities of the brain, allowing for more accurate prenatal counseling, optimization of perinatal management, and in some cases fetal intervention. In this article, a brief description of how fetal ultrasound (US) and fetal MRI are used in clinical practice will be followed by an overview of the most common reasons for referral for fetal MRI of the brain, including ventriculomegaly, absence of the cavum septi pellucidi (CSP) and posterior fossa anomalies.
Magnetic resonance imaging of normal and pathologic fetal brain
Child's Nervous System, 1998
In the early 1980s, the first reports on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of maternal and fetal anatomy appeared in the medical literature [19, 22-24, 35, 36]. While ultrasound (US) is basically the imaging method of choice for prenatal diagnosis [10], in some circumstances even expert sonologists may demand the greater detail provided by other imaging procedures. MRI can be considered in this context as it is well known not to be harmful .
MR imaging of fetal cerebral anomalies
Pediatric Radiology, 1998
Prenatal diagnosis of fetal brain anomalies relies mainly upon ultrasonography. However, even in the most experienced hands, the technique has limitations for some difficult diagnoses, such as neuronal migration anomalies, ischaemic lesions, white matter diseases or when oligohydramnios and microcephaly are present . MRI may then be performed to provide the additional information necessary to modify obstetric management.
MR imaging of acquired fetal brain disorders
Child's Nervous System, 2003
Introduction: Acquired fetal brain disorders represent the third indication of fetal brain MRI, after ventricular dilatation and malformations of the central nervous system. Discussion: MRI is an adequate imaging technique for evaluating fetal brain damage. Fetal brain response to brain injury may be acute, chronic or a combination of acute and chronic. An acute response is not as common in the fetal brain as in the postnatal period. A chronic response or the combination of chronic and acute response are the most common responses of the fetal brain to injury, whatever its origin. MRI also provides the natural history of acquired fetal brain lesions with regard to the stage of development.
Magnetic resonance imaging of the fetus
Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology, 2011
Fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has become established as part of clinical practice in many centres worldwide especially when visualization of the central nervous system pathology is required. In this review we summarize the recent literature and provide an overview of fetal development and the commonly encountered fetal pathologies visualized with MRI and illustrated with numerous MR images. We aim to convey the role of fetal MRI in clinical practice and its value as an additional investigation alongside ultrasound yet emphasize the need for caution when interpreting fetal MR images especially where experience is limited.
The role of fetal mri in diagnosis of intrauterine neurological congenital anomalies
2012
Fast MR imaging of the fetus appears to be a valuable, safe, and reliable modality to detect anomalies the fetal brain and spinal cord that could be missed by ultrasound.The superior spatial and contrast resolution of MR imaging has the potential to provide anatomic information not previously available for patient counseling and decision making, to help in identifying those who may potentially benefit from prenatal intervention, and to aid in fetal surgical planning.Since the early descriptions of normal fetal brain morphology and maturation with MR imaging, the clinical utility of fetal MR imaging as an adjunct to screening sonography has been well documented.MR studies establishing the superb diagnostic capabilities of MR imaging, particularly in assessing disorders of neuronal migration and in defining the structures of the corpus callosum and posterior fossa.The ability of MR imaging to detect waves of migrating cells in the fetal brain and to clearly differentiate gray matter f...
Fetal MRI in brain development
Knowledge of the anatomy of the developing fetal brain is essential to detect abnormalities and understand their pathogenesis. Capability of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to visualize the brain in utero and to differentiate between its various tissues makes fetal MRI a potential diagnostic and research tool for the developing brain. This article provides an approach to understand the normal and abnormal brain development through schematic interpretation of fetal brain MR images. MRI is a potential screening tool in the second trimester of pregnancies in fetuses at risk for brain anomalies and helps in describing new brain syndromes with in utero presentation. Accurate interpretation of fetal MRI can provide valuable information that helps genetic counseling, facilitates management decisions, and guides therapy. Fetal MRI can help in better understanding the pathogenesis of fetal brain malformations and can support research that could lead to disease-specific interventions.
Eurasian journal of medical investigation, 2018
U ltrasonography (USG) is a valuable imaging technique in fetal examination [1]. The majority of the anomalies detected in the fetus are central nervous system (CNS) anomalies [2]. Multiple gestational anomalies are present in many cases. Therefore, when an anomaly is detected, other possible anomalies should be investigated [3]. However, the detailed description of the anomalies and the detection of concomitant occult anomalies are not always possible due to limitations of USG [4]. Fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been shown to contribute to these conditions [5]. The aim of this study was to evaluate the contribution of MRI in patients with CNS anomaly detected by USG. Methods Fetal MRI was performed in 56 fetuses (24-36 gestational weeks (mean 30 week) who were diagnosed CNS anomalies with USG during pregnancy between January 2009 and December 2009. The study was approved by the ethics commit-Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the contribution of fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in evaluating fetuses with a sonographic diagnosis of a central nerve system (CNS) anomaly. Methods: Fifty-four fetuses with the sonographic diagnosis of a CNS anomaly underwent fetal MRI. A postnatal brain MRI was performed for 9 infants. Results: Additional findings were seen with a prenatal MRI in 22 (40%) cases: subependymal nodules (n=2), cortical tubers (n=2), and 1 case each of partial and total agenesis of corpus callosum, pontocerebellar hypoplasia, hypoplastic brain stem, absence of basal ganglia, dysgenetic cerebellum, hyperintensity in the white matter, polymicrogyria, periventricular cyst, thyroglossal duct cyst, partial and total absence of interhemispheric fissure, herniation of inferior cerebellar vermis, arteriovenous fistula, mega cisterna magna, intraventricular hemorrhage, syrinx, and incomplete bony spur in the spinal canal. In all, 18 pregnancies were terminated based on the findings of the prenatal sonography and MRI. The diagnosis was unchanged in 7 cases following postnatal MRI. In 2 infants, additional findings (subependymal tuber and mega cisterna magna) were detected. Conclusion: Although sonography is an accurate diagnostic modality to evaluate fetuses with CNS anomalies, MRI contributes important additional information, especially regarding the cortical, subependymal, and posterior fossa regions.
Clinical Radiology, 2007
Ultrasound examinations for foetal brain abnormalities have been a part of the routine antenatal screening programme in the UK for many years. In utero brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is now being used increasingly successfully to clarify abnormal ultrasound findings, often resulting in a change of diagnosis or treatment plan. Interpretation requires an understanding of foetal brain development, malformations and acquired diseases. In this paper we will outline the technique of foetal MRI, relevant aspects of brain development and provide illustrated examples of foetal brain pathology.