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Prenatal imaging of facial clefts by magnetic resonance imaging with emphasis on the posterior palate
Author(s) -
Ghi Tullio,
Tani Giovanni,
Savelli Luca,
Colleoni Giulia Gandolfi,
Pilu Gianluigi,
Bovicelli Luciano
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
prenatal diagnosis
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.956
H-Index - 97
eISSN - 1097-0223
pISSN - 0197-3851
DOI - 10.1002/pd.737
Subject(s) - medicine , magnetic resonance imaging , sagittal plane , fetus , prenatal diagnosis , ultrasound , secondary palate , radiology , prenatal ultrasound , pregnancy , anatomy , biology , genetics
Abstract Objective To evaluate the role of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in the prenatal diagnosis of facial clefts. Materials and Methods Six fetuses with a sonographic diagnosis of cleft lip and palate underwent MRI at a median age of 30 weeks (range 28–32). The defect was bilateral in two cases. Results Fetal MRI confirmed the presence of a cleft involving at least the anterior palate in all cases. Distinction between unilateral and bilateral clefts could be made in all cases and was always confirmed after birth. Sagittal views of the fetal face were found to be particularly useful in identifying the degree of extension of the cleft into the palate. The diagnosis was confirmed after birth. Conclusion Our results suggest that MRI may be ancillary to ultrasound in prenatal investigation of a fetus with cleft lip, allowing a better staging of the lesion by demonstrating the degree of involvement of the palate. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.