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Fetal Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Evaluation of Fetuses Referred for Sonographically Suspected Abnormalities of the Corpus Callosum
Author(s) -
Glenn Orit A.,
Goldstein Ruth B.,
Li Katy C.,
Young Sun J.,
Norton Mary E.,
Busse Reed F.,
Goldberg James D.,
Barkovich A. James
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
journal of ultrasound in medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.574
H-Index - 91
eISSN - 1550-9613
pISSN - 0278-4297
DOI - 10.7863/jum.2005.24.6.791
Subject(s) - medicine , corpus callosum , agenesis of the corpus callosum , magnetic resonance imaging , abnormality , fetus , radiology , agenesis , corpus callosum agenesis , pathology , anatomy , pregnancy , genetics , psychiatry , biology
Objective Fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been shown to be useful in assessing the developing central nervous system. However, its utility in specific brain disorders has not been well investigated. We hypothesized that fetal MRI can better assess the integrity of the brain in cases with sonographically suspected callosal abnormalities. Methods We retrospectively reviewed fetal MRI and prenatal sonographic studies of 10 fetuses referred for MRI for sonographically suspected callosal abnormalities. Results An abnormal corpus callosum was identified on fetal MRI in 80% of cases. The type of callosal abnormality (complete or partial agenesis) was similar on both prenatal sonography and fetal MRI in all cases. All sonographically identified additional brain abnormalities were detected on fetal MRI, with the exception of choroid plexus cysts. Furthermore, in 63% (5 of 8) of cases with a callosal abnormality on both sonography and fetal MRI, additional brain abnormalities were detected on fetal MRI that were not apparent on sonography. These sonographically occult findings were confirmed on postnatal MRI or autopsy in 3 of 5 patients. Conclusions Fetal MRI is an important adjunct to sonography in assessing the corpus callosum and other aspects of brain development when agenesis of the corpus callosum is suspected. It can identify frequent additional findings that are not visible on sonography such as abnormal sulcation. In light of the association between additional brain abnormalities and worse neurodevelopmental outcome, the potential of fetal MRI as an important adjunctive prognostic imaging test in fetuses with callosal agenesis can now be tested.