Fetal and early postnatal magnetic resonance imaging--is there a difference?

AIM: To evaluate whether fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) could replace early postnatal MRI in fetuses with central nervous system (CNS) anomalies.

METHODS

Thirteen pregnancies presenting with fetal CNS anomalies were investigated using MRI. Indications included ventriculomegaly combined with additional CNS anomaly (n=5), isolated ventriculomegaly (n=2), arachnoid cyst (n=2), holoprosencephaly (n=1), complex malformation syndrome (n=1), Dandy walker malformation (n=1) and midline cyst (n=1). Early postnatal MRI followed within the first six weeks of life.

RESULTS

Investigation with early postnatal MRI confirmed the fetal MRI diagnosis in all cases. Investigation with postnatal MRI presented additional information in two cases. However, there was no change in patient care.

CONCLUSIONS

Fetal MRI should replace early postnatal MRI in infants with CNS anomalies.