Impact of fetal magnetic resonance imaging on the management of fetal ventriculomegaly: Evaluation of 38 cases with an included synopsis

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