To Hone Identification of Fetal Brain Anomalies In Utero, Turn to MRI

Following ultrasound detection of a fetal brain abnormality, in-utero magnetic resonance imaging is warranted to look for additional, often subtle, brain defects.

For almost all fetal anomalies, ultrasound is preferred for diagnostic imaging; however, in the fetal brain, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) offers advantages for thoroughly assessing structure. Investigators in the U.K. studied the incremental clinical value of in-utero fetal brain magnetic resonance imaging (iuMRI) in 565 pregnant women within 2 weeks of ultrasound detection of fetal brain abnormalities at ≥18 weeks' gestation.

The diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound and iuMRI was 68% and 93%, respectively. IuMRI provided additional diagnostic information in 49% of cases, changed prognostic information in 20%, and triggered changes in clinical management in >33%. The three most common brain abnormalities detected with ultrasound were ventri…

Reviewing Author

Robert L. Barbieri, MD

Disclosures

Grant/Research SupportNational Institutes of Health

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Robert L. Barbieri, MD

Disclosures

Grant/Research SupportNational Institutes of Health

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

To Hone Identification of Fetal Brain Anomalies In Utero, Turn to MRI

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Reviewing Author