Corpus callosum differences assessed by fetal MRI in late‐onset intrauterine growth restriction and its association with neurobehavior

Objective The aim of this study is to evaluate corpus callosum (CC) development by Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in late‐onset intrauterine growth restricted (IUGR) fetuses compared to appropriate for gestational age and its association with neurobehavioral outcome. Method One hundred and seventeen late‐onset IUGR and 73 control fetuses were imaged using a 3T MRI scanner at term, obtaining T2 half‐Fourier acquisition single‐shot turbo spin‐echo anatomical slices. CC length, thickness, total area and the areas after a subdivision in 7 portions were assessed. Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale test was performed on IUGR newborns at 42 ± 1 weeks. Results IUGR fetuses showed significantly smaller CC (Total CC Area IUGR: 1.3996 ± 0.26 vs. AGA: 1.664 ± 0.31; p < 0.01) and smaller subdivision areas as compared with controls. The differences were slightly more pronounced in fetuses with very low birth weight and/or abnormal brain and/or abnormal uterine Doppler. CC measurements were significantly associated with neurobehavioral outcome in IUGR cases. Conclusions CC development was significantly altered in late‐onset IUGR fetuses and correlated with worse neurobehavioral performance. CC could be further explored as a potential imaging biomarker to predict abnormal neurodevelopment in pregnancies at risk. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.