Fetal MRI: normal gestational landmarks for cerebral biometry, gyration and myelination.
OBJECTIVE
Up until the last 10 years, normal cerebral gestational landmarks were assessed by ultrasonographic and fetopathologic studies. The purpose of this paper is to display the possibilities provided by fetal MRI in the evaluation of fetal cerebral biometry, normal sulcation and myelination.


METHODS
Two hundred and twenty-five fetuses (with a normal brain) were studied prospectively using a standardised method. The gestational age ranged from 22 to 38 weeks. The main data concerning biometry of various cerebral structures at those terms are given.


CONCLUSIONS
In contrast to ultrasound, MRI allows measurements of brain (and not skull), which are available independently of the position of the fetal head. The timing of the appearance of the different sulci is also available using MRI. It is considered to be a good marker of fetal brain maturation. The biochemical modifications contemporary to myelination make it possible to evaluate this phenomenon in the fetal brain using MRI.
Garel
Catherine
C
Department of Paediatric Imaging, Hôpital Robert Debré, 48 boulevard Sérurier, 75019 Paris, France. catherine.garel@rdb.ap-hop-paris.fr
Chantrel
Emmanuel
E
Elmaleh
Monique
M
Brisse
Hervé
H
Sebag
Guy
G
D000375:Aging; D015415:Biomarkers; D001699:Biometry; D002540:Cerebral Cortex / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000196:embryology*; D005314:Embryonic and Fetal Development; D005260:Female; D005333:Fetus / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D009186:Myelin Sheath / Q000378:metabolism*; D011247:Pregnancy
D015415:Biomarkers