title: Second trimester fetal magnetic resonance imaging improves diagnosis of non-central nervous system anomalies.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the additional information of second trimester magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) compared with ultrasound in fetuses with identified or suspected non-CNS anomalies and to study the clinical impact of the MRI information on pregnancy management.
  
  
  METHODS
  Prospective study during 2003-2007. The fetal MRI examination was planned to be performed within 3 days after the ultrasound.
  
  
  METHODS
  Uppsala University hospital.
  
  
  METHODS
  Sixty-three women in whom the second trimester ultrasound identified or raised suspicion of fetal anomalies were included.
  
  
  METHODS
  Ultrasound was compared to MRI in relation to the final diagnosis, which was based on the assessment of all available data, including postpartum clinical follow-up and autopsy results.
  
  
  METHODS
  Evaluation of the additional information gained from MRI and the consequences it had on pregnancy management.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mean interval between ultrasound and MRI was 2.6 days (range 0-15 days). In 42 (67%) women MRI was performed within 3 days. All MRI examinations were assessable. In 43 (68%) fetuses MRI provided no additional information, in 17 (27%) MRI added information without changing the management and in three (5%) MRI provided additional information which changed the management. All these three cases had oligohydramnios. In all six cases of diaphragmatic hernia MRI provided additional information.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Fetal MRI of non-CNS anomalies in the second trimester seems to be a valuable adjunct to ultrasound diagnosis of non-CNS anomalies, especially in cases of oligohydramnios and diaphragmatic hernia.
authors.affiliation: Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden. hashem.amini@kbh.uu.se
authors.forename: Hashem
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Amini
authors.forename: Johan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Wikström
authors.forename: Håkan
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Ahlström
authors.forename: Ove
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Axelsson
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005333:Fetus / Q000002:abnormalities*; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D011247:Pregnancy; D011262:Pregnancy Trimester, Second; D011296:Prenatal Diagnosis / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D055815:Young Adult