Magnetic resonance imaging of the fetal brain and spine: an increasingly important tool in prenatal diagnosis, part 1

Fetal MR imaging is an increasingly available technique used to evaluate the fetal brain and spine. This is made possible by recent advances in technology, such as rapid pulse sequences, parallel imaging and advances in coil design. This provides a unique opportunity to evaluate processes that cannot be approached by any other current imaging technique and affords a unique opportunity for studying in vivo brain development and early diagnosis of congenital abnormalities inadequately visualized or undetectable by prenatal sonography. This 2-part review summarizes some of the latest developments in MR imaging of the fetal brain and spine and its application to prenatal diagnosis. This first part discusses the utility, safety, and technical aspects of fetal MR imaging, the appearance of normal fetal brain development, and the role of fetal MR imaging in the evaluation of fetal ventriculomegaly. The second part focuses on additional clinical applications of fetal MR imaging, including suspected abnormalities of the corpus callosum, malformations of cortical development, and spine abnormalities.     

Fast MR imaging of fetal CNS anomalies in utero

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Although sonography is the primary imaging technique for evaluating the developing fetus, significant limitations exist in the sonographic prenatal diagnosis of many brain disorders. Fast MR imaging is increasingly being used to determine the underlying cause of nonspecific fetal CNS abnormalities detected sonographically and to confirm or provide further support for such anomalies. Our goal was to determine the value of MR imaging in establishing the diagnosis of fetal CNS anomalies, to ascertain how this information might be used for patient counseling, and to assess its impact on pregnancy management. METHODS: We prospectively performed MR examinations of 73 fetuses (66 pregnancies) with suspected CNS abnormalities and compared these with available fetal sonograms, postnatal images, and clinical examinations. Retrospectively, the impact on patient counseling and pregnancy management was analyzed. RESULTS: Images of diagnostic quality were routinely obtained with in utero MR imaging, which was particularly valuable in detecting heterotopia, callosal anomalies, and posterior fossa malformations, and for providing excellent anatomic information. We believe that 24 (46%) of 52 clinical cases were managed differently from the way they would have been on the basis of sonographic findings alone. In every case, the referring physicians thought that MR imaging provided a measure of confidence that was not previously available and that was valuable for counseling patients and for making more informed decisions. CONCLUSION: Sonography is the leading technique for fetal assessment and provides reliable, inexpensive diagnostic images. Fast MR imaging is an important adjunctive tool for prenatal imaging in those instances in which a complex anomaly is suspected by sonography, when fetal surgery is contemplated, or when a definitive diagnosis cannot be determined.     

扩散加权成像在胎儿脑发育中的应用进展

胎儿先天性发育异常是围生儿死亡和致残的重要原因,产前早期准确诊断是干预及治疗的关键。胎儿MR成像能够弥补超声检查的不足,是胎儿产前诊断的一种重要辅助手段。扩散加权成像不但能够评估胎儿的正常脑发育过程,而且对脑先天发育异常及胎儿宫内脑损伤的早期评估具有重要意义。现就扩散加权成像在胎儿脑发育中的应用进展予以综述。     

Antenatal Diagnosis of Iniencephaly: Sonographic and MR Correlation: A Case Report

Iniencephaly is an uncommon and fatal neural tube defect involving the occiput and inion, this occurs together with rachischisis of the cervical and thoracic spine, and retroflexion of the head. We report the ultrasound (US) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging findings of a case of iniencephaly with clubfeet and arthrogryposis. The diagnosis of iniencephaly is easy to make on ultrasound due to the typical star-gazing fetus. However, the details of the fetal brain and spinal cord may not be adequately delineated on US. We found MR imaging to be superior for depicting central nervous system abnormalities. MR imaging has evolved as an imaging modality and it is complementary to fetal US, yet US remains the screening modality of choice.     

Prenatal Diagnosis of Fetal Ventriculomegaly: Agreement between Fetal Brain Ultrasonography and MR Imaging

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:Accurate measurement of the lateral ventricles is of paramount importance in prenatal diagnosis. Possible conflicting classifications caused by their measurement in different sectional planes by sonography and MR imaging are frequently raised. The objective of our study was to evaluate the agreement between ultrasonography and MR imaging in the measurement of the lateral ventricle diameter in the customary sectional planes for each technique.MATERIALS AND METHODS:Measurement of both lateral ventricles was performed prospectively in 162 fetuses from 21 to 40 weeks of gestational age referred for evaluation due to increased risk for cerebral pathology. The mean gestational age for evaluation was 32 weeks. The measurements were performed in the customary plane for each technique: axial plane for sonography and coronal plane for MR imaging.RESULTS:The 2 techniques yielded results in substantial agreement by using intraclass correlation and κ coefficient score tests. When we assessed the clinical cutoff of 10 mm, the κ score was 0.94 for the narrower ventricle and 0.84 for the wider ventricle, expressing almost perfect agreement. The Bland-Altman plot did not show any trend regarding the actual width of the ventricle, gestational week, or interval between tests. Findings were independent for fetal position, sex, and indication for examination.CONCLUSIONS:Our study indicates excellent agreement between fetal brain ultrasonography and MR imaging as to the diagnosis of fetal ventriculomegaly in the customarily used sectional planes of each technique.

Ventricular dilation is one of the most common, prenatally diagnosed cerebral abnormalities.^1,2 “Ventriculomegaly” is defined as an atrial diameter exceeding 10 mm.^3,4 The prognosis of ventricular dilation depends on the degree of dilation and the presence of associated cerebral or extracerebral abnormalities.⁵ Thus, accurate measurement of the lateral ventricles is of paramount importance in prenatal diagnosis. Recently, guidelines for the assessment of the diameter of the lateral ventricles by using the axial transventricular plane as part of routine fetal sonographic evaluation have been suggested.^6,7MR imaging of the fetal CNS is a complementary tool and is performed following detection of abnormalities identified by sonography. The common belief is that fetal CNS MR imaging is more accurate than sonography, particularly when evaluation for associated anomalies is required, when the mother is obese, or when more precise measurement of the ventricular diameter is required.⁸Measurement of lateral ventricle diameter by using MR imaging is performed on a coronal plane.⁹ Measurement of lateral ventricle diameter by using ultrasound is performed on an axial plane.⁶ This variation may raise possible conflicting classifications due to different sectional planes or use of different tools. The aim of our study was to evaluate the agreement between ultrasonography and MR imaging in the measurement of the lateral ventricle diameter in the customary sectional planes for each technique in prenatal diagnosis.     

Fetal cerebral cortex: normal gestational landmarks identified using prenatal MR imaging

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Few investigators have analyzed the MR imaging patterns of fetal gyration. Our purpose was to establish, with a large prospective series, the normal sulcation landmarks according to gestational age by using in utero MR imaging and to correlate our findings with established neuroanatomic timetables. METHODS: A standardized fetal cerebral MR examination was performed in 173 normal fetuses at 22 to 38 weeks' gestation. Eight T1- and T2-weighted coronal, axial, and sagittal slices were obtained for each fetus and systematically analyzed. The sequential development of the different fissures and sulci of the cerebral cortex with respect to gestational age were tabulated. RESULTS: Sulcation of the medial, lateral, and inferior surfaces of the brain was depicted, and a timetable for the MR depiction of the primary and secondary sulci was established for the 22- to 38-week gestational period. This timetable was in good agreement with the neuroanatomic standards of reference, with a mean lag time of 1 week. CONCLUSION: This analysis of fetal brain sulcation in a large series of fetuses contributes to a better understanding of the maturation of the fetal cortex on MR imaging studies. It furthermore provides a standard of reference that can be used to assess the normality of fetal sulcation and to diagnose gyrational abnormalities with prenatal MR imaging.     

MR imaging of fetal abnormalities.

Our purpose was to evaluate the capability of ultrafast single-shot fast spin-echo MR imaging to assess normal fetal anatomy and abnormalities of different fetal organ systems. Fetal MR imaging was performed prospectively in consecutive 40 pregnant women because of abnormal findings or suspected fetal abnormalities on prenatal US. No statistically significant difference between US and MR imaging was found for the detection of abnormality in any organ system. MR imaging was slightly superior to US with regard to cerebral abnormalities only. In four (10%) of 40 fetuses, additional information provided by MR imaging altered counseling. However, MR imaging of the extremities-face and soft tissues was limited because of the lack of real-time information.     

Fetal central nervous system abnormalities

The advances in the sonographic imaging of the fetus have made the detailed examination of the fetal central nervous system (CNS) a routine part of the prenatal sonogram. A logical sonographic approach to the diagnosis of fetal CNS abnormalities is presented, based on the normal sonographic anatomy and the understanding of CNS pathology. This approach results in a classification of CNS abnormalities derived from ultrasound findings. The main categories are (1) hydrocephalus, (2) entities that mimic hydrocephalus, and (3) neural tube defects. Once a disorder is classified and all ultrasound abnormalities identified, a differential diagnosis can be developed.     

Fetal chest ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging: recent advances and current clinical applications

Advances in high-resolution prenatal ultrasound and fetal magnetic resonance (MR) imaging have changed the practice of obstetrics by allowing better visualization of intrathoracic and neck structures and better estimation of lung volumes. More accurate prenatal diagnosis has increased options for pregnancy management and treatment, delivery planning, and postnatal care. Anyone who is interested in the fascinating field of fetology should become familiar with the current state of fetal imaging of the chest as well as potential advances in technology and research.     

Neuroradiology back to the future: spine imaging

Although radiography of the spine began shortly after Roentgen's discovery in 1895, there was little written in the medical literature about spine imaging until nearly 25 years later with the development of myelography, first by using air and then a variety of positive contrast agents. The history of spine imaging before CT and MR imaging is, in large part, a history of the development of contrast agents for intrathecal use. The advent of CT and, more important, MR imaging revolutionized spine imaging. The spinal cord and its surrounding structures could now be noninvasively visualized in great detail. In situations in which myelography is still necessary, advances in contrast agents have made the procedure less painful with fewer side effects. In this historical review, we will trace the evolution of spine imaging that has led to less invasive techniques for the evaluation of the spine and its contents and has resulted in more rapid, more specific diagnosis, therapy, and improved outcomes.     

Ultrafast MR imaging of the fetus

OBJECTIVE: We examined the capability of ultrafast single-shot fast spin-echo imaging to assess different fetal organ systems compared with prenatal sonography, using autopsy or postpartum imaging as a standard of reference. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Thirty women with complicated pregnancies (mean age of gestation, 190 +/- 54 days) underwent T2-weighted ultrafast MR imaging. MR images were analyzed with regard to diagnostic confidence in assessing abnormalities of fetal organ systems, and data were correlated with postpartum findings or necropsy. Results were compared with those of prenatal sonography. RESULTS: Using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, diagnostic confidence of MR imaging was best for assessing the brain (area under the curve [Az] = 0.96) and spinal canal (Az = 1.0), uteroplacental unit (Az = 0.93), and lungs (Az = 0.91). Results for the heart (Az = 0.63) and extremities (Az = 0.77) were significantly lower than that of other organs (p < 0.001). Diagnostic accuracy increased with gestational age. No statistically significant difference between sonography and MR imaging was found for the detection of abnormality in any organ system. In three fetuses, MR imaging was superior to sonography in characterizing cerebral abnormalities. MR imaging was inferior to sonography in characterizing abnormalities of the heart and extremities. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that ultrafast MR imaging can be used for in vivo fetal imaging, especially in assessing cerebral abnormalities. However, MR imaging should be restricted to situations in which sonographic findings are ambiguous or impaired.     

Congenital chest lesions: diagnosis and characterization with prenatal MR imaging.

PURPOSE: To evaluate prenatal magnetic resonance (MR) imaging for diagnosis of fetal chest masses and to determine if MR imaging provides information in addition to that of ultrasonography (US). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighteen pregnant women were referred for MR imaging of possible fetal chest tumors seen at US (16 congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation [CCAM], two bronchopulmonary sequestration [BPS]). The presence, position, size, and characteristics of masses were determined and correlated with postnatal results. RESULTS: The MR imaging diagnoses were three cases of congenital diaphragmatic hernia, nine of CCAM, two of BPS, and one each of foregut cyst, lung atresia, tracheal atresia, and bronchial stenosis. MR imaging results were in agreement with US results in nine fetuses and in disagreement in nine. MR imaging diagnoses were confirmed at surgery or autopsy in 17 fetuses. MR imaging results led to an error in diagnosis in one fetus with BPS. CONCLUSION: Fetal chest masses had characteristic MR imaging appearances. MR imaging was accurate for distinguishing congenital diaphragmatic hernia from CCAM and was useful for less common diagnoses and determination of the origin of very large chest tumors. Prenatal diagnosis was changed in some patients owing to MR results and affected treatment and counseling of parents. MR imaging is a valuable adjunct to US for prenatal diagnosis of fetal chest masses.     

MR imaging of non-CNS fetal abnormalities: a pictorial essay.

The recent popularity of prenatal magnetic resonance (MR) imaging has been associated with the development of ultrafast MR imaging techniques such as the single-shot fast spin-echo sequence. However, the majority of previous reports have concerned the fetal central nervous system (CNS) and chest disorders. MR imaging can demonstrate non-CNS fetal anatomy and pathologic conditions clearly. With its excellent tissue contrast, MR imaging provides information that supplements that provided by ultrasonography (US), especially in cases of neck, chest, and gastrointestinal lesions. Because of its large field of view, MR imaging allows evaluation of the relationship between a large lesion and adjacent structures. MR imaging should be considered if the diagnosis of a suspected non-CNS lesion is unclear at fetal US. MR imaging plays an important complementary role to US in cases of non-CNS fetal lesions and will be further accepted for fetal imaging in the future.     

West Nile virus meningoencephalitis: MR imaging findings

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Reports of MR imaging in West Nile virus (WNV) meningoencephalomyelitis are few and the described findings limited. The purpose of this study was to review the spectrum of MR imaging findings for WNV meningoencephalomyelitis and investigate whether any of the findings correlates with clinical presentation of flaccid paralysis. METHODS: We reviewed the MR imaging findings of 17 patients with confirmed WNV encephalitis and/or myelitis. MR imaging brain studies were evaluated for location of signal intensity abnormalities, edema, hydrocephalus, or abnormal enhancement. MR imaging spine studies were evaluated for signal intensity abnormalities in cord and/or enhancement. RESULTS: Retrospective review of the MR imaging studies of 17 patients was performed by 2 neuroradiologists. Eleven of 16 brain MR images demonstrated abnormalities. Eight (50%) patients had abnormal studies related to meningoencephalitis. All 8 patients had abnormal findings in the deep gray matter and/or brain stem; 2 had additional white matter abnormalities. Three patients with abnormal MR studies of the spine had extremity weakness on examination. The imaging findings included abnormal signal intensity more pronounced in the ventral horns and/or enhancement around the conus medullaris and cauda equina. One patient had additional abnormalities in the pons. CONCLUSION: Abnormal MR imaging findings in patients with WNV meningoencephalomyelitis are nonspecific but not uncommon. Anatomic areas commonly affected are basal ganglia, thalami, mesial temporal structures, brain stem, and cerebellum. Extremity weakness or flaccid paralysis corresponds to spinal cord/cauda equina abnormalities.     

Fetal anomalies: comparison of MR imaging and US for diagnosis

PURPOSE: To compare prenatal ultrasonography (US) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging for the diagnosis of fetal anomalies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Images of 27 fetuses (28 diagnostic cases) with anomalies diagnosed at US were evaluated; in these fetuses, prenatal MR imaging was performed within 15 days of US. Prenatal US and MR imaging findings were compared with postnatal diagnoses. Postnatal evaluation included US, MR imaging, autopsy, surgery, voiding cystourethrography, computed tomography, angiography, and physical examination. RESULTS: In seven diagnostic cases, US and MR imaging findings were in complete agreement with postnatal diagnoses. MR imaging correctly provided additional information to the US-determined diagnosis in another seven and correctly changed the US diagnosis in three. The MR imaging-determined diagnosis was incorrect and the US diagnosis was correct in four cases. In seven cases, the diagnoses at both US and MR imaging were incorrect when correlated with the postnatal outcome. MR imaging was most valuable in the assessment of anomalies of the central nervous system. CONCLUSION: MR imaging may have a place as an adjunct to US in evaluation of fetal anomalies, particularly those involving the central nervous system.     

Fetal intracranial tumors: a review of 27 cases

Fetal intracranial tumors are rare. The diagnosis is generally made on histology after birth. The aim of this study was to analyze clinical and imaging data in a series of fetal intracranial tumors and emphasize the findings that may help approach the diagnosis antenatally. We retrospectively analyzed imaging and clinical findings in 27 cases of fetal intracranial tumors assessed by ultrasound (27/27) and MR imaging (24/27). A histological diagnosis was always obtained. Main diagnoses included 15 germinal tumors (13 teratomas), 4 glial tumors, 2 craniopharyngiomas and 3 hamartomas. Average gestational age at diagnosis was 27 weeks for teratomas, 21 weeks for hamartomas and 34 weeks for glial tumors. All tumors but one were supra tentorial, and the lesion extended in the posterior fossa in two teratomas. A heterogeneous pattern, which was more frequently seen in teratomas, was better visualized by MR than US imaging. In addition, in two cases of teratomas, MR imaging better assessed the extension of the tumor. Teratomas and gliomas are the most frequent brain tumors in the fetus. US and MR imagings appear complementary in the prenatal assessment of these lesions.     

Editor's Choice: Fetuses with Ventriculomegaly Diagnosed in the Second Trimester of Pregnancy by In Utero MR Imaging: What Happens in the Third Trimester?

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:Although MR imaging of the fetal brain has been shown to provide additional diagnostic information, the optimal timing of the study and the value of repeat studies remain unclear. The primary purpose of this study was to look for structural abnormalities of the fetal brain shown at 30–32 weeks'' gestational age but not on the 20–24 weeks'' study in fetuses originally referred with isolated VM. In particular, we wished to study the hypothesis that third-trimester fetal MR imaging studies would not show extra brain abnormalities compared with the second-trimester studies in this group.MATERIALS AND METHODS:Ninety-nine women were admitted for a fetal MR study between 20–24 weeks'' gestational age, and 46 of these women agreed to return for a second MR imaging examination at 30–32 weeks'' gestational age. The other women were either lost to follow-up or declined the invitation to return. Two experienced observers measured the width of the trigones, and the results were compared, to test reliability. Changes in the degree of VM are reported along with changes in the diagnosis of structural brain abnormalities.RESULTS:There was excellent reproducibility of trigone measurements between the 2 observers, with a mean absolute difference of <1 mm in the 40 fetuses that were ultimately shown to have isolated VM. Twenty-eight of 40 fetuses studied had mild VM on the first iuMR imaging examination, but in just more than half, the category of VM changed between the studies (5 had become normal-sized, 7 had progressed to moderate, 3 had become severe, and 13 remained mild). In 1 case, hypogenesis of the corpus callosum was recognized at 30–32 weeks but had not been reported on the 20–24 weeks'' examination; the other 5 fetuses had brain pathology recognized on both fetal MR studies.CONCLUSIONS:Trigone measurements can be made in a highly repeatable fashion on iuMR imaging. We have not shown any major advantage in repeating iuMR imaging at 30–32 weeks'' gestation in terms of improved diagnosis of other structural brain abnormalities. With the converse of that argument, however, our data suggest that there is no advantage in delaying iuMR imaging studies to 30–32 weeks in the hope of improving detection rates.

Imaging of the fetal brain is routinely performed by using sonography, and measurement of the size of the lateral ventricles is an important part of the screening process.^1,2 VM diagnosed in utero is found in 1%–2% of all pregnancies and is a common indication for more detailed fetal assessment. There is increasing evidence of the value of including iuMR imaging in the diagnostic pathway. Our recent work, for example, has shown that there is a 17% risk of finding brain abnormalities other than VM in fetuses referred from sonography with a confident diagnosis of isolated VM.³ That study included 147 singleton fetuses studied at 20 weeks'' gestation or later, with the MR imaging being performed within a few days of the diagnosis of VM made on sonography. Subgroup analysis was made in that study on the basis of gestational age at referral. Ninety-nine of the cases studied were between 20 and 24 weeks'' gestational age, and among these, there was a 9% pickup of extra brain pathology.³ As part of the secondary aims of that study, we invited all women from the 20 to 24 weeks'' group to have a second iuMR imaging examination at 30–32 weeks'' gestation if they continued with their pregnancy.We have looked at changes in ventricular size during the 8–12 week period between the 2 MR imaging examinations and studied interobserver reproducibility of the trigone measurements on the MR imaging studies. The primary purpose of this study, however, was to look for structural abnormalities of the fetal brain shown at 30–32 weeks'' gestational age but not on the 20–24 weeks'' study in fetuses originally referred with isolated VM. In particular, we wished to study the hypothesis that third-trimester fetal MR imaging studies would not show extra brain abnormalities compared with the second-trimester studies in this group.     

真实稳态进动快速成像T2^＊加权序列在胎儿MRI中的应用

目的:探讨真实稳态进动快速成像T2*加权序列在胎儿MRI中的临床应用价值.材料和方法:6例中、晚期孕程的孕妇行真实稳态进动快速成像(true FISP)T2*加权序列扫描,评价图像质量、模糊程度、正常胎儿器官显示、胎儿和母体异常的显示以及胎儿信噪比(SNR)及胎儿-孕妇腰椎椎体对比噪声比(F-L CNR)等,并与TSE序列T2WI进行比较.结果:与TSE序列T2WI相比,true FISP序列T2*WI可清楚显示胎头、胎儿肢体、胎儿脊柱、胎儿的脏器解剖结构以及母体子宫、胎盘、脐带等附属结构,胎儿和母体异常显示也较清晰,并能清晰显示灰、白质分界、脑回、脑髓鞘等结构.true FISP序列获得的图像其SNR以及F-L CNR均优于TSE序列.结论:真实稳态进动快速成像T2*加权序列能够清晰显示胎儿及母体的解剖结构,获得的图像具有较高的T2对比,可作为胎儿MR成像的常用序列.     

Obstetrical magnetic resonance imaging: maternal anatomy

Eleven patients whose pregnancies were at 34-36 weeks of gestational development underwent magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. Images of the maternal pelvis were assessed for anatomical changes of pregnancy in comparison with MR images of five non-pregnant volunteers. The relationship of the fetal presenting part to the internal os of the cervix was seen in all patients. Effacement of the cervix was identified when present. The maternal spine demonstrated disk abnormalities in nine patients. Changes in venous flow patterns were readily identified in all patients. The inferior vena cava was flattened or obliterated, a high signal was present in the iliac vessels (TE 56), and large collateral vessels were present.