“ROLE OF FETAL MRI IN EVALUATION OF CONGENITAL ANOMALIES”

Abstract

When US evaluation of the second and third-trimester foetus is limited, MR imaging might be used as a supplemental test. Due to a lack of an acceptable acoustic window, US is often limited in cases of oligohydramnios or breech presentation. In both cases, however, MR imaging can clearly show the foetal anatomy in detail. Ossification of the calvaria[1], which inhibits view of the posterior fossa at US, can also impede third trimester foetal assessment. US frequently suggests intracranial pathologic abnormalities such as posterior fossa anomalies (Chiari II syndrome, cerebellar aplasia or hypoplasia). MR imaging can corroborate the US findings, and it can also provide a diagnosis in some circumstances, such as neuronal migrational anomalies. MR imaging certainly has the advantage of being able to analyse the foetus in many planes within a greater field of view. T1-weighted MR imaging can show acute and chronic germinal matrix bleeding, as well as ischemia alterations. Although ultrasound is helpful in detecting corpus callosum abnormalities, it can miss many of the central nervous system problems associated with corpus callosum agenesis. Because the prognosis of agenesis of the corpus callosum is so unpredictable, detecting concomitant central system defects on MR imaging can help with prenatal and postnatal medical care. Although the majority of prenatal MR imaging applications are related to the cranial nervous system, new developments in foetal surgical intervention have expanded the utility of foetal MR imaging in thoracoabdominal illness detection. Fetal MR imaging can help diagnose abnormalities such congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation, congenital diaphragmatic hernia, cystic hygroma, and bronchopulmonary sequestration. Accurate assessment of foetal lung and liver sizes is critical in foetal surgical planning and postnatal prognosis in the case of congenital diaphragmatic hernia. Some high-risk pregnancies may also benefit from obstetric MR imaging, according to preliminary research. With a combination of foetal weight estimates and liver volume measurements, birth weight may be correctly predicted and the diagnosis of intrauterine growth retardation or macrosomia can be made with confidence.