Abstract
Author(s): Tomasz Golus, Ewa Kluczewska, Wioletta Rozmuz-WarcholiÅska, Patrycja Sodowska, Krzysztof Sodowski
Introduction. Magnetic resonance imaging is being increasingly utilized in detection of congenital malformations in utero, especially when US evaluation encounters significant limitations. Aim. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of fetal MRI in assessment of congenital anomalies of the central nervous system in comparison to US. Material and methods. The study was a retrospective review of MRI and US examinations of 35 fetuses from singleton pregnancies at the gestational age of 19–38th weeks. MRI was conducted either to further evaluate anomalies showed by prenatal US examinations or to clarify inconclusive US findings. All MRI exams were compared with previously conducted US examinations. Results. The data showed that in over 60% of cases fetal MRI provided additional important information, not seen in US images. However, compared with US, MRI showed statistically significant higher identification rate only for the group of corpus callosum abnormalities. Conclusions. Fetal MRI is a useful modality, complementary to US imaging in the evaluation of congenital malformations and may be an important adjunct to prenatal US in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters, especially when CNS pathology is suspected. MRI increases the accuracy of antenatal diagnoses, provides additional information that are useful in parental counseling, pregnancy management as well as peri- and postnatal care.