Fetal magnetic resonance imaging in the evaluation of fetuses referred for sonographically suspected abnormalities of the corpus callosum.
OBJECTIVE
Fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been shown to be useful in assessing the developing central nervous system. However, its utility in specific brain disorders has not been well investigated. We hypothesized that fetal MRI can better assess the integrity of the brain in cases with sonographically suspected callosal abnormalities.


METHODS
We retrospectively reviewed fetal MRI and prenatal sonographic studies of 10 fetuses referred for MRI for sonographically suspected callosal abnormalities.


RESULTS
An abnormal corpus callosum was identified on fetal MRI in 80% of cases. The type of callosal abnormality (complete or partial agenesis) was similar on both prenatal sonography and fetal MRI in all cases. All sonographically identified additional brain abnormalities were detected on fetal MRI, with the exception of choroid plexus cysts. Furthermore, in 63% (5 of 8) of cases with a callosal abnormality on both sonography and fetal MRI, additional brain abnormalities were detected on fetal MRI that were not apparent on sonography. These sonographically occult findings were confirmed on postnatal MRI or autopsy in 3 of 5 patients.


CONCLUSIONS
Fetal MRI is an important adjunct to sonography in assessing the corpus callosum and other aspects of brain development when agenesis of the corpus callosum is suspected. It can identify frequent additional findings that are not visible on sonography such as abnormal sulcation. In light of the association between additional brain abnormalities and worse neurodevelopmental outcome, the potential of fetal MRI as an important adjunctive prognostic imaging test in fetuses with callosal agenesis can now be tested.
Glenn
Orit A
OA
Department of Radiology, Neuroradiology Section, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143-0628, USA. orit.glenn@radiology.ucsf.edu
Goldstein
Ruth B
RB
Li
Katy C
KC
Young
Sun J
SJ
Norton
Mary E
ME
Busse
Reed F
RF
Goldberg
James D
JD
Barkovich
A James
AJ
D061085:Agenesis of Corpus Callosum; D003337:Corpus Callosum / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D005333:Fetus / Q000473:pathology*; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014463:Ultrasonography