Abstract
A combination of prenatal ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging can be used to
detect and characterize many primary and secondary central nervous system (CNS) abnormalities
in the developing fetus. While this information is useful in prenatal patient counseling,
it is important to understand the factors that can influence change in diagnosis and
prognosis over time. The etiology of the abnormality, the conspicuity of associated
findings, the change in appearance over time, and the opinion of subspecialty experts
all can influence the diagnosis. Additionally, technical factors of imaging acquisition
may allow the detection of an abnormality in the postnatal period and not prenatally.
Having an understanding of the normal fetal central nervous system anatomy at varying
gestational ages will aid in the imaging detection and interpretation of CNS pathology.
Understanding how these appearances and diagnoses can change over time will aid in
the discussion of prognosis with expectant parents, which is crucial in fetal CNS
abnormalities.
Keywords
Central nervous system abnormalities - prenatal - ultrasound - MRI
