In utero MRI identifies consequences of early-gestation alcohol drinking on fetal brain development in rhesus macaques

Significance Early diagnosis of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is necessary for initiating early therapy, and is the most effective way to reduce risk of long-term adverse outcomes. This study utilized a nonhuman primate model of FASD, and is the first to exploit in utero MRI to detect the effects of early-pregnancy drinking on the fetal brain. Alterations in motor-related brain regions become detectable with in utero MRI at the beginning of the third-trimester equivalent in human pregnancy. Follow-up electrophysiological measurements demonstrated that the MRI-identified brain abnormalities are associated with aberrant brain function. These findings demonstrate the sensitivity of in utero MRI, and inform future clinical studies on the timing and brain region of greatest sensitivity to early ethanol exposure.