Abstract
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the influence of magnetic resonance imaging
(MRI) findings in fetuses with sonographically evident ventriculomegaly with regard
to the provision of additional information: as an isolated finding, as an acquired
pathology, or as a part of a syndrome/malformation complex. Thirty-eight women with
fetal ventriculomegaly suspected by prenatal ultrasonography (US) were referred to
our institution from October 2002 to January 2007 for fetal MRI. In 11 cases, US and
MRI findings were comparable. In seven cases, MRI specified the diagnosis without
changing management or counseling, while in three cases, additional findings led to
a change in management and/or counseling. In 12 cases, the diagnosis was made based
on MRI findings; in five cases, neither US nor MRI detected the underlying pathology
for ventriculomegaly prenatally, with the final diagnosis being made postnatally.
Fetal MRI has proven to have a significant impact in the majority of cases (33/38)
by confirming, completing, or correcting US diagnoses, enabling adequate management
and counseling. On the basis of our observations, we discuss selected causes of ventriculomegaly
via a neuropediatric approach with a focus on prognosis and outcome.
Keywords
Fetal MRI - fetal ultrasound - ventriculomegaly - brain malformation
