Ultrasound vs Magnetic Resonance in the Assessment of CNS Anomalies

Abstract

ABSTRACT Central nervous system (CNS) malformations are some of the most comon congenital abnormalities. Long-term follow-up studies suggest that the incidence may be as high as 1 in 100 births. Imaging technologies have been remarkably improved and contributed to prenatal evaluation of fetal CNS development and assessment of CNS abnormalities. The routine examination of the fetal brain can be achieved with axial planes by conventional transabdominal ultrasonography. In order to provide a complete view of the different brain structures a detailed fetal neurosonogram requires additional coronal and sagittal views. Three-dimensional (3D) sonography should be performed transvaginally using the multiplanar approach. Transvaginal high-resolution 3D ultrasound can demonstrate cerebral fine vascular anatomy such as medullary vessels, intracranial calcification, vascular abnormalities. Parallel slicing provides a tomographic visualization of internal morphology similar to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Fetal MRI appears to be a useful adjunct to ultrasound to confirm or exclude certain abnormalities. MRI is a valuable complementary tool to detailed neurosonography which allows an evaluation of the normal brain maturation from the second trimester. It also offers a higher diagnostic performance for some congenital abnormalities such as cortical development or posterior fossa assessment. How to cite this article Crnogorac S, JuriÓiƒ A, Grdiniƒ A. Ultrasound vs Magnetic Resonance in the Assessment of CNS Anomalies. Donald School J Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2013;7(4):496-499.