Analysis of Associated Abnormalities and Outcome Assessment in Malformations of the Corpus Callosum Diagnosed via Fetal MRI: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND

The study explores corpus callosum malformation (CCM) using comprehensive brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) for the assessment of associated malformations and their relation to long-term outcomes.

METHODS

During a 7-year period, all cases of CCM diagnosed via fetal MRI were retrospectively studied. Neurodevelopmental outcomes were assessed through postnatal interviews. Fetal brain imaging was performed using a 1.5-T MRI scanner without sedation, focusing on CC development and associated anomalies.

RESULTS

The study included 59 participants with CCM. Isolated CCM was observed in 25.4% of cases, while 74.6% presented with additional intracranial abnormalities, including cortical malformation (45.8%), periventricular nodular heterotopia (25.4%), supratentorial parenchymal signal intensity abnormality (25.4%), and sulcation delay (16.9%). Additionally, 16.9% of CCM cases were associated with non-neurological anomalies, such as craniofacial malformations (8.5%) and urinary abnormalities (5.1%). In terms of pregnancy outcomes, 20.3% underwent pregnancy termination, 5.1% ended in stillbirth, 22.0% resulted in death after birth, and 52.5% resulted in live births. A significant association was observed between the coexistence of cortical malformation and poor prognosis (p = 0. 012).

CONCLUSION

The broad spectrum of anomalies linked to CCM, along with their clinical outcomes, underscores the pivotal role of MRI in prenatal screening for fetuses diagnosed with CCM.