Magnetic resonance imaging versus Ultrasound examination in detection of prenatal fetal brain anomalies

PurposeEvaluation of the role of MR Imaging in detection of fetal brain anomalies versus 2D and 4D Ultrasound examination.Study designThis study included 23 pregnant females who were suspected to have fetus with congenital brain anomalies over a period of one year using ultrasound. MRI was done within one week following 2D and 4D US examination. The maternal age ranged from 18 to 39 years. The gestational age ranged from 16 to 36 weeks (mean age = 26 weeks). Antenatal Ultrasound and magnetic resonance findings were compared with postnatal MRI findings.ResultsWe reported different types of congenital brain anomalies including eight cases of isolated central nervous system anomalies. MRI and ultrasound showed concordant findings in six cases. MRI changed the diagnosis in 14 cases and provided additional information in two cases. Ultrasound was superior to magnetic resonance imaging in one case at second trimester due to fetal motion.ConclusionOur results showed that fetal MR imaging is useful in detection of fetal central nervous system anomalies as well as a complementary modality to 2D/4D Ultrasound in diagnosis of fetal central nervous system anomalies.