Fetal MRI Value in Fetal CNS Anomalies

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, Minia, Egypt.

2 Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt

Abstract

Background: Antenatal evaluation of the fetal central nervous system (CNS) plays an 
important role in the field of perinatology. Objectives: to elaborate on sonographic & MRI 
prenatal diagnosis of various fetal central nervous system malformations. Patients & 
method: Data were gathered prospectively from 70 pregnant women with ultrasounddiagnosed or suspected CNS anomalies referred for MRI between April, 2016 and July, 2019; 
followed by postpartum neonatal MRI brain examination to non-terminated, live birth cases. 
Results: Of the seventy fetuses with CNS anomalies, Fetal MRI added findings to prenatal 
U/S imaging in 17 cases (24%) and most of these findings were identified in fetuses with 
severe IVM (about 50%). No additional abnormalities were identified by fetal MRI in fetuses 
less than 24 weeks gestation. Callosal and septum pellucidum lesions accounted for most 
common significant fetal MRI additional findings with percent of (53%). Management was 
changed according to the additional findings where Increased rate of termination was more 
associated with cases with additional abnormalities rather than the isolated VM cases. 
Conclusion: This study recommend fetal MRI for sonographically diagnosed or suspected 
fetal CNS anomalies to guide the clinical management.
Abbreviations
GA(gestational age), IV (intraventricular), ,NO.(number),IUFD(Intrauterine fetal death).

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