Role of foetal MRI in the evaluation of ischaemic-haemorrhagic lesions of the foetal brain.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to define the role of foetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in evaluating cerebral ischaemic-haemorrhagic lesions and the extension of parenchymal injuries.

STUDY DESIGN: From September 2006 to September 2010, 271 foetal MRI have been performed on cases referred to us for ultrasound suspect of brain abnormalities or cytomegalovirus infection and Toxoplasma serum conversion. Foetal MRI was performed with a 1.5-T magnet system without mother sedation.

RESULTS: Foetal MRI detected ischaemic-haemorrhagic lesions in 14 of 271 foetuses, consisting of 5% incidence. MRI confirmed the diagnosis in three of 14 cases with ultrasonography (US) suspect of ischaemic-haemorrhagic lesions associated with ventriculomegaly. In one of 14 cases with US findings of cerebellar haemorrhage, MRI confirmed the diagnosis and provided additional information regarding the parenchymal ischaemic injury. In eight of 14 cases with US suspect of ventriculomegaly (3), corpus callosum agenesis (2), hypoplasia of cerebellar vermis (1), holoprosencephaly (1) and spina bifida (1), MRI detected ischaemic and haemorrhagic lesions unidentified at US examination. In two of 14 foetuses with US suspect of intracerebral space-occupying lesion, MRI modified the diagnosis to extra-axial haematoma associated with dural sinus malformation. Results were compared with post-mortem findings or afterbirth imaging follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS: Foetal MRI is an additional imaging modality in the diagnosis of cerebral ischemic-haemorrhagic lesions, and it is useful in providing further information on the extension of the parenchymal injury and associated abnormalities, thus improving delivery management.