[Evaluation of malformations of the fetal central nervous system using fetal MRI].
OBJECTIVE
Ultrasound as the primary prenatal screening modality is used to detect fetal anomalies. Aim of the study was to prove the additional value of fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).


METHODS
In 25 pregnant women (age 30.6 +/- 4.8; 24 single and one twin pregnancy) with pathologic findings of the central nervous system detected by obstetric ultrasound, a fetal MRI was performed. All sequences (T2w-HASTE, TRUEFISP, T 1w-FLASH 2D, DWI) were performed using the breath-hold technique. The results were compared to postnatal MRI or ultrasound scan findings and tested for correlation with the clinical course and development of these children.


RESULTS
Three to seven days after ultrasound, an MRI of all 26 fetuses without sedation was performed (26.6 +/- 4.0 GW). One healthy twin was not included in this study. MRI confirmed the ultrasonographic diagnosis in 7 cases. Compared to ultrasound, an additional pathology could be detected by MRI in 8 cases. In 10 cases ultrasound diagnosis was overruled by MRI. Prenatal MRI findings were confirmed by postnatal imaging in 18 children. The clinical course was predictable in 8 of 15 cases, depending on the pathology detected. Three newborns died in the perinatal period.


CONCLUSIONS
Our results showed that fetal MRI has a high impact as an addition to ultrasound in evaluating congenital CNS pathology. Fetal MRI has become a helpful device for advising parents. However, clinical course and development still cannot be predicted based on MRI findings alone.
Blondin
D
D
Institut für Diagnostische Radiologie, Universitätsklinikum Düsseldorf. blondin@med.uni-duesseldorf.de
Schaper
J
J
Klee
D
D
Reihs
T
T
Hammer
R
R
Mödder
U
U
Messing-Jünger
M
M
D000328:Adult; D001921:Brain / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000473:pathology; D002543:Cerebral Hemorrhage / Q000151:congenital / Q000175:diagnosis; D038524:Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005817:Genetic Counseling; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D006849:Hydrocephalus / Q000175:diagnosis; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D002538:Intracranial Arteriovenous Malformations / Q000175:diagnosis; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D009421:Nervous System Malformations / Q000175:diagnosis*; D010920:Placenta / Q000473:pathology; D011247:Pregnancy; D011272:Pregnancy, Multiple / Q000502:physiology; D011296:Prenatal Diagnosis / Q000379:methods*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014427:Twins; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal; D014599:Uterus / Q000473:pathology