Background: Antenatal imaging is required to diagnose fetal abnormalities prior to delivery
so that in utero interventions can be planned and post - delivery management of the infant can
be decided. The study was done to determine the role of MRI in fetal abnormalities.
Material and methods: This study was performed over a period of 2 years in the Department
of Radiodiagnosis at SSIMS & RC, Davangere. All the pregnant females in second and third
trimester who were suspected of having fetal anomalies were subjected to MRI after
undergoing a USG in the department. A total of 41 cases were studied. MRI was performed in
multiple planes using SSFSE, FIESTA and SPGR sequences. Findings of MRI were recorded
and post-natal follow up was obtained wherever possible.
Results: A total of 41 cases suspected of having fetal anomalies on USG were studied. 15
cases had cranio-spinal anomalies, 3 cases had gastrointestinal anomalies, 4 cases had
Miscellaneous anomalies, 4 cases had genitourinary anomalies, 9 cases had multiple
anomalies and 3 cases each were diagnosed as normal and having chest anomalies. Fetal MRI
provided additional information as compared to ultrasound in 18 (43.9 %) cases and
confirmed the findings of Ultrasound in 23 (56.1 %).
Conclusion: Fetal MRI serves as a useful adjunct in confirming ultrasound suspected
pathologies. In addition, prenatal MRI can better delineate fetal anatomy and accurately
characterize pathologies irrespective of patient's gestational age (in 2 nd and 3rd trimester),
maternal body habitus and quantity of amniotic fluid. MRI may also provide valuable added
information prenatally, that could add to early evaluation and treatment of fetal anomalies,
particularly central nervous system malformations and thoracic lesions and may enhance
treatment for some life-threatening anomalies. Thus, it is concluded that prenatal MRI is
evolving as a powerful tool in cases where ultrasound findings are inadequate or inconclusive
for diagnosing fetal anomalies.
Key words: fetal anomalies, MRI, ultrasound
|
