1
|
Lane AM, Christie J, Arthurs OJ, Goergen SK. In-utero post-mortem MRI, opportunistic imaging with diagnostic yield. Prenat Diagn 2024; 44:1123-1125. [PMID: 38686965 DOI: 10.1002/pd.6582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Key pointsWhat's already known about this topic?
The role of post‐mortem extra‐uterine MRI as part of a minimally invasive autopsy has been established.
Antenatal in‐utero MRI during life has shown similar diagnostic accuracy to post‐mortem extra‐uterine MRI
Post mortem in utero MRI prior to delivery has not yet been documented or fully evaluated.
What does this study add?
We illustrate the feasibility and potential diagnostic value of post‐mortem intrauterine MRI
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Annah M Lane
- Department of Medical Imaging, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Queensland Xray, Mater Adult Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - James Christie
- Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital Westmead, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Owen J Arthurs
- Department of Radiology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Stacy K Goergen
- Monash Imaging, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Moeremans M, Avni FE, d'Haene N, Lam NM, Metens T, D'Hondt A. Combined prenatal US and post-mortem fetal MRI: can they replace conventional autopsy for fetal body abnormalities? Eur Radiol 2024; 34:632-642. [PMID: 37526669 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-023-09847-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Revised: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The acceptance of conventional autopsy (CA), the gold standard method for investigating fetal death, often remains problematic. Post-mortem magnetic resonance imaging (PMMRI) is increasingly advocated, particularly for neurologic malformations. However, PMMRI performances to diagnose non-neurologic malformations remain unclear. We aim to clarify whether a full body CA remains needed after prenatal ultrasound (US) and PMMRI in assessing non-neurologic fetal malformations. METHODS In this retrospective IRB-approved study, during a 6-year period, all fetuses who underwent PMMRI, prenatal US, and full body CA were included. Body abnormalities were identified in US, PMMRI, and CA reports. US and PMMRI images were all reviewed. All abnormalities were graded as major (2 points) or minor (1 point). Each technique (US, PMMRI, CA) was given a score by adding all grading points. In each fetus, results were compared for both separate and combined US and PMMRI to CA. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated for detecting major abnormalities. RESULTS Fifty fetuses were included. The score of CA, US, and PMMRI was respectively 53, 37, and 46. Compared with US-PMMRI, CA added information in 2 cases (4%) with major abnormalities and 7 cases (14%) with minor abnormalities. PMMRI and US were concordant in 36/50 (72%) fetuses. Separate US/PMMRI sensitivities and specificities for detecting major body malformations respectively were 80%/80% and 100%/94%. Combined US-PMMRI had a sensitivity of 90% and a specificity of 94%. Two cardiac malformations (2/6) were only described by CA. CONCLUSIONS After prenatal US and PMMRI, few additional fetal body malformations are discovered with CA. Nevertheless, fetal heart autopsy remains mandatory. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT A cardiac conventional autopsy complemented by prenatal ultrasound and post-mortem MRI allows to detect all major fetal body abnormalities. With this efficient and much less invasive approach, a higher acceptance rate of fetal autopsy can be expected. KEY POINTS • Excepting cardiac malformations, most major fetal body malformations can reliably be identified by prenatal US combined with post-mortem MRI. • In the post-mortem diagnosis of fetal body malformations, a conventional autopsy limited to the fetal heart might replace a full body autopsy after a well-conducted prenatal US and post-mortem MRI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marine Moeremans
- Department of Radiology, Hôpital Delta (CHIREC), 1160, Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Fred E Avni
- Department of Radiology, Hôpital Delta (CHIREC), 1160, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Nicky d'Haene
- Department of Pathology, Hospital Erasme, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), 1070, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ngoc My Lam
- Department of Pathology, Hospital Erasme, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), 1070, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Thierry Metens
- Department of Radiology, Hôpital Erasme, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), 1070, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Aurélie D'Hondt
- Department of Radiology, Hôpital Delta (CHIREC), 1160, Brussels, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Simcock IC, Shelmerdine SC, Hutchinson JC, Sebire NJ, Arthurs OJ. Body weight-based iodinated contrast immersion timing for human fetal postmortem microfocus computed tomography. BJR Open 2024; 6:tzad006. [PMID: 38352185 PMCID: PMC10860501 DOI: 10.1093/bjro/tzad006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate the length of time required to achieve full iodination using potassium tri-iodide as a contrast agent, prior to human fetal postmortem microfocus computed tomography (micro-CT) imaging. Methods Prospective assessment of optimal contrast iodination was conducted across 157 human fetuses (postmortem weight range 2-298 g; gestational age range 12-37 weeks), following micro-CT imaging. Simple linear regression was conducted to analyse which fetal demographic factors could produce the most accurate estimate for optimal iodination time. Results Postmortem body weight (r2 = 0.6435) was better correlated with iodination time than gestational age (r2 = 0.1384), producing a line of best fit, y = [0.0304 × body weight (g)] - 2.2103. This can be simplified for clinical use whereby immersion time (days) = [0.03 × body weight (g)] - 2.2. Using this formula, for example, a 100-g fetus would take 5.2 days to reach optimal contrast enhancement. Conclusions The simplified equation can now be used to provide estimation times for fetal contrast preparation time prior to micro-CT imaging and can be used to manage service throughput and parental expectation for return of their fetus. Advances in knowledge A simple equation from empirical data can now be used to estimate preparation time for human fetal postmortem micro-CT imaging.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ian C Simcock
- Department of Clinical Radiology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London WC1N 3JH, United Kingdom
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London WC1N 1EH, United Kingdom
- NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, London WC1N 1EH, United Kingdom
| | - Susan C Shelmerdine
- Department of Clinical Radiology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London WC1N 3JH, United Kingdom
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London WC1N 1EH, United Kingdom
- NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, London WC1N 1EH, United Kingdom
| | - John Ciaran Hutchinson
- NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, London WC1N 1EH, United Kingdom
- Department of Histopathology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London WC1N 3JH, United Kingdom
| | - Neil J Sebire
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London WC1N 1EH, United Kingdom
- NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, London WC1N 1EH, United Kingdom
- Department of Histopathology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London WC1N 3JH, United Kingdom
| | - Owen J Arthurs
- Department of Clinical Radiology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London WC1N 3JH, United Kingdom
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London WC1N 1EH, United Kingdom
- NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, London WC1N 1EH, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Lamouroux A, Cardoso M, Bottero C, Gallo M, Duraes M, Salerno J, Bertrand M, Rigau V, Fuchs F, Mousty E, Genevieve D, Subsol G, Goze-Bac C, Captier G. Micro-CT and high-field MRI for studying very early post-mortem human fetal anatomy at 8 weeks of gestation. Prenat Diagn 2024; 44:3-14. [PMID: 38161284 DOI: 10.1002/pd.6489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study involved very early post-mortem (PM) examination of human fetal anatomy at 8 weeks of gestation (WG) using whole-body multimodal micro-imaging: micro-CT and high-field MRI (HF-MRI). We discuss the potential place of this imaging in early first-trimester virtual autopsy. METHODS We performed micro-CT after different contrast-bath protocols including diffusible iodine-based contrast-enhanced (dice) and HF-MRI with a 9.4 T machine with qualitative and quantitative evaluation and obtained histological sections. RESULTS Nine fetuses were included: the crown-rump length was 10-24 mm and corresponded to 7 and 9 WG according to the Robinson formula. The Carnegie stages were 17-21. Dice micro-CT and HF-MRI presented high signal to noise ratio, >5, according to the Rose criterion, and for allowed anatomical phenotyping in these specimens. Imaging did not alter the histology, allowing immunostaining and pathological examination. CONCLUSION PM non-destructive whole-body multimodal micro-imaging: dice micro-CT and HF-MRI allows for PM human fetal anatomy study as early as 8 WG. It paves the way to virtual autopsy in the very early first trimester. Obtaining a precision phenotype, even regarding miscarriage products, allows a reverse phenotyping to select variants of interest in genome-wide analysis, offering potential genetic counseling for bereaved parents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Audrey Lamouroux
- Clinical Genetics Department, Montpellier University Hospital, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- Obstetrical Gynaecology Department, Nîmes University Hospital, University of Montpellier, Nîmes, France
- Charles Coulomb Laboratory, UMR 5221 CNRS-UM, BNIF User Facility Imaging, University of Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France
- ICAR Research Team, LIRMM, University of Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France
- Univ. Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Maïda Cardoso
- Charles Coulomb Laboratory, UMR 5221 CNRS-UM, BNIF User Facility Imaging, University of Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France
- Univ. Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Célia Bottero
- Obstetrical Gynaecology Department, Nîmes University Hospital, University of Montpellier, Nîmes, France
- Univ. Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Mathieu Gallo
- Univ. Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- Pathology Department, Montpellier University Hospital, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Martha Duraes
- ICAR Research Team, LIRMM, University of Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France
- Univ. Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- Anatomy Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine Montpellier-Nimes, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- Obstetrical Gynaecology Department, Montpellier University Hospital, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Jennifer Salerno
- Obstetrical Gynaecology Department, Nîmes University Hospital, University of Montpellier, Nîmes, France
- Univ. Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- Gynaecology and Gynaecology Surgery Department, Clinique Beau Soleil, Montpellier, France
| | - Martin Bertrand
- Univ. Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- Experimental Anatomy Department, Faculty of Medicine Montpellier-Nimes, University Montpellier, Nîmes, France
- Digestive Surgery Department, Nimes University Hospital, Nîmes, France
| | - Valérie Rigau
- Univ. Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- Pathology Department, Montpellier University Hospital, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Florent Fuchs
- Univ. Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- Obstetrical Gynaecology Department, Montpellier University Hospital, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- Inserm, CESP Center for Research in Epidemiology and Population Health, U1018, Reproduction and Child Development, Villejuif, France
- Desbrest Institute of Epidemiology and Public Health (IDESP), University of Montpellier, INSERM, Montpellier, France
| | - Eve Mousty
- Obstetrical Gynaecology Department, Nîmes University Hospital, University of Montpellier, Nîmes, France
- Univ. Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - David Genevieve
- Clinical Genetics Department, Montpellier University Hospital, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- Univ. Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- Center for Rare Disease Development Anomaly and Malformative Syndromes, Montpellier University Hospital, Montpellier, France
| | - Gérard Subsol
- ICAR Research Team, LIRMM, University of Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France
- Univ. Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Christophe Goze-Bac
- Charles Coulomb Laboratory, UMR 5221 CNRS-UM, BNIF User Facility Imaging, University of Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France
- Univ. Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Guillaume Captier
- ICAR Research Team, LIRMM, University of Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France
- Univ. Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- Anatomy Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine Montpellier-Nimes, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- Paediatric Surgery Department, Montpellier University Hospital, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Gupta N, Langeh N, Sharma A, Mridha A, Jana M, Barwad A, Mani K, Dadhwal V, Kumar A, Deka D, Kabra M. Minimally invasive autopsy in the evaluation of fetal malformations and stillbirths: A feasibility study. Birth Defects Res 2024; 116:e2280. [PMID: 38087877 DOI: 10.1002/bdr2.2280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Minimally invasive autopsy (MIA) using post-mortem magnetic resonance imaging with ancillary investigations is reported as accurate as conventional autopsy. This study assesses MIA's feasibility and accuracy compared to conventional autopsy. METHOD MIA and/or conventional autopsy were performed on malformed fetuses (14-20 weeks gestation) and stillbirths (>20 weeks gestation), with/without malformation. Concordance in diagnostic accuracy (95% confidence interval [CI]) and agreement (Kappa coefficient [k]) were assessed in malformed cases where both MIA and autopsy were conducted. RESULTS We enrolled 200 cases, including 100 malformed fetuses (<20 weeks) and 100 stillbirths (with/without malformations). Concordance of 97.3% was observed between MIA and autopsy in 156 malformed cases. The overall diagnostic accuracy of MIA was 96.04%. CONCLUSION While conventional autopsy remains the gold standard, MIA is feasible in tertiary care settings. It can be considered a potential alternative for post-mortem assessment, particularly in settings with limited facility of conventional autopsy and parental refusal.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Neerja Gupta
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Genetics, AIIMS, New Delhi, India
| | - Nitika Langeh
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Genetics, AIIMS, New Delhi, India
| | - Aparna Sharma
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, AIIMS, New Delhi, India
| | - Asit Mridha
- Department of Pathology, AIIMS, New Delhi, India
| | - Manisha Jana
- Department of Radiodiagnosis, AIIMS, New Delhi, India
| | | | | | - Vatsla Dadhwal
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, AIIMS, New Delhi, India
| | - Atin Kumar
- Department of Radiodiagnosis, AIIMS, New Delhi, India
| | - Dipika Deka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, AIIMS, New Delhi, India
| | - Madhulika Kabra
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Genetics, AIIMS, New Delhi, India
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Simcock IC, Lamouroux A, Sebire NJ, Shelmerdine SC, Arthurs OJ. Less-invasive autopsy for early pregnancy loss. Prenat Diagn 2023; 43:937-949. [PMID: 37127547 DOI: 10.1002/pd.6361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Autopsy investigations provide valuable information regarding fetal death that can assist in the parental bereavement process, and influence future pregnancies, but conventional autopsy is often declined by parents because of its invasive approach. This has led to the development of less-invasive autopsy investigations based on imaging technology to provide a more accessible and acceptable choice for parents when investigating their loss. Whilst the development and use of more conventional clinical imaging techniques (radiographs, CT, MRI, US) are well described in the literature for fetuses over 20 weeks of gestational age, these investigations have limited diagnostic accuracy in imaging smaller fetuses. Techniques such as ultra-high-field MRI (>3T) and micro-focus computed tomography have been shown to have higher diagnostic accuracy whilst still being acceptable to parents. By further developing and increasing the availability of these more innovative imaging techniques, parents will be provided with a greater choice of acceptable options to investigate their loss, which may in turn increase their uptake. We provide a narrative review focussing on the development of high-resolution, non-invasive imaging techniques to evaluate early gestational pregnancy loss.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ian C Simcock
- Department of Clinical Radiology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK
- NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
| | - Audrey Lamouroux
- Department of Clinical Radiology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK
- Obstetrical Gynaecology Department, Nîmes University Hospital, Nîmes, France
- Clinical Genetics Department, Montpellier University Hospital, Montpellier, France
- ICAR Research Team, LIRMM, CNRS and Charles Coulomb Laboratory, UMR 5221 CNRS-UM, BNIF User Facility Imaging, University of Montpellier, Nîmes and Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Neil J Sebire
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK
- NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
- Department of Histopathology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK
| | - Susan C Shelmerdine
- Department of Clinical Radiology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK
- NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
| | - Owen J Arthurs
- Department of Clinical Radiology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK
- NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
O'Keefe H, Shenfine R, Brown M, Beyer F, Rankin J. Are non-invasive or minimally invasive autopsy techniques for detecting cause of death in prenates, neonates and infants accurate? A systematic review of diagnostic test accuracy. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e064774. [PMID: 36609326 PMCID: PMC9827258 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-064774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess the diagnostic accuracy of non-invasive or minimally invasive autopsy techniques in deaths under 1 year of age. DESIGN This is a systematic review of diagnostic test accuracy. The protocol is registered on PROSPERO. PARTICIPANTS Deaths from conception to one adjusted year of age. SEARCH METHODS MEDLINE (Ovid), EMBASE (Ovid), CINAHL (EBSCO), the Cochrane Library, Scopus and grey literature sources were searched from inception to November 2021. DIAGNOSTIC TESTS Non-invasive or minimally invasive diagnostic tests as an alternative to traditional autopsy. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Studies were included if participants were under one adjusted year of age, with index tests conducted prior to the reference standard.Data were extracted from eligible studies using piloted forms. Risk of bias was assessed using Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2. A narrative synthesis was conducted following the Synthesis without Meta-Analysis guidelines. Vote counting was used to assess the direction of effect. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Direction of effect was expressed as percentage of patients per study. FINDINGS We included 54 direct evidence studies (68 articles/trials), encompassing 3268 cases and eight index tests. The direction of effect was positive for postmortem ultrasound and antenatal echography, although with varying levels of success. Conversely, the direction of effect was against virtual autopsy. For the remaining tests, the direction of effect was inconclusive.A further 134 indirect evidence studies (135 articles/trials) were included, encompassing 6242 perinatal cases. The addition of these results had minimal impact on the direct findings yet did reveal other techniques, which may be favourable alternatives to autopsy.Seven trial registrations were included but yielded no results. CONCLUSIONS Current evidence is insufficient to make firm conclusions about the generalised use of non-invasive or minimally invasive autopsy techniques in relation to all perinatal population groups.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42021223254.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hannah O'Keefe
- NIHR Innovation Observatory, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Rebekka Shenfine
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Melissa Brown
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Fiona Beyer
- NIHR Innovation Observatory, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Judith Rankin
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Accuracy and clinical utility of standard postmortem radiological imaging after early second trimester termination of pregnancy. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2022; 273:75-80. [PMID: 35504117 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2022.04.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 04/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aims to assess accuracy and clinical utility of postmortem radiological exams [Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Computed Tomography (CT) and Radiography (XR)] after termination of pregnancy at <23 weeks' gestation for congenital fetal malformations in comparison to autopsy. STUDY DESIGN This a prospective single-center study on fetuses underwent termination of pregnancy for fetal defects. Overall concordance between any radiological exam and autopsy was evaluated. For postmortem MRI only, the following subgroups were analyzed: 1) total agreement; 2) agreement for main findings; 3) agreement for main findings but major relevant additional findings at autopsy; 4) total disagreement. RESULTS 174 cases were collected. The overall concordance with autopsy for main findings was 71% (115/163) for postmortem MRI and 99% (173/174) for prenatal ultrasound (US). Postmortem MRI detection rate was high for central nervous system (CNS) defects (98%), gastrointestinal, genitourinary and respiratory defects (100%), while it was poor for cardiovascular and musculoskeletal defects (25% and 42%, respectively). For musculoskeletal abnormalities, the performance of postmortem XR and postmortem CT exams improved the detection rate from 42% for postmortem MRI alone to 92%. CONCLUSIONS Postmortem MRI has a good overall concordance for fetal defects after termination of pregnancy performed at <23 weeks. Along with autopsy, postmortem MRI may be offered for all cases of CNS defects in order to prevent inconclusive exams due to autolysis of the brain tissue, while postmortem CT and postmortem XR are indicated for musculoskeletal defects. In the presence of multiple abnormalities or cardiac defects the couple should be counseled on the poor performance of radiological investigations.
Collapse
|
9
|
Shelmerdine SC, Arthurs OJ. Post-mortem perinatal imaging: what is the evidence? Br J Radiol 2022:20211078. [PMID: 35451852 DOI: 10.1259/bjr.20211078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Post-mortem imaging for the investigation of perinatal deaths is an acceptable tool amongst parents and religious groups, enabling a less invasive autopsy examination. Nevertheless, availability is scarce nationwide, and there is some debate amongst radiologists regarding the best practice and optimal protocols for performing such studies. Much of the published literature to date focusses on single centre experiences or interesting case reports. Diagnostic accuracy studies are available for a variety of individual imaging modalities (e.g. post-mortem CT, MRI, ultrasound and micro-CT), however, assimilating this information is important when attempting to start a local service.In this article, we present a comprehensive review summarising the latest research, recently published international guidelines, and describe which imaging modalities are best suited for specific indications. When the antenatal clinical findings are not supported by the post-mortem imaging, we also suggest how and when an invasive autopsy may be considered. In general, a collaborative working relationship within a multidisciplinary team (consisting of radiologists, radiographers, the local pathology department, mortuary staff, foetal medicine specialists, obstetricians and bereavement midwives) is vital for a successful service.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Susan C Shelmerdine
- Department of Radiology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.,UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK.,NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, 30 Guilford Street, Bloomsbury, London, UK.,Department of Radiology, St. George's Hospital, Blackshaw Road, London, UK
| | - Owen J Arthurs
- Department of Radiology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.,UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK.,NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, 30 Guilford Street, Bloomsbury, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Gupta N, Martinez-Rios C, El Demellawy D, Barrowman N, Miller E. Diagnostic Evaluation of the Posterior Fossa with Antenatal and Post-Mortem MRI: An Unfolded View. JOURNAL OF FETAL MEDICINE 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s40556-021-00329-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
|
11
|
Child Abuse, a Post-mortem Forensic Perspective. FORENSIC IMAGING 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-83352-7_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
|
12
|
Simcock IC, Shelmerdine SC, Langan D, Anna G, Sebire NJ, Arthurs OJ. Micro-CT yields high image quality in human fetal post-mortem imaging despite maceration. BMC Med Imaging 2021; 21:128. [PMID: 34429085 PMCID: PMC8383392 DOI: 10.1186/s12880-021-00658-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Current clinical post-mortem imaging techniques do not provide sufficiently high-resolution imaging for smaller fetuses after pregnancy loss. Post-mortem micro-CT is a non-invasive technique that can deliver high diagnostic accuracy for these smaller fetuses. The purpose of the study is to identify the main predictors of image quality for human fetal post-mortem micro-CT imaging. METHODS Human fetuses were imaged using micro-CT following potassium tri-iodide tissue preparation, and axial head and chest views were assessed for image quality on a Likert scale by two blinded radiologists. Simple and multivariable linear regression models were performed with demographic details, iodination, tissue maceration score and imaging parameters as predictor variables. RESULTS 258 fetuses were assessed, with median weight 41.7 g (2.6-350 g) and mean gestational age 16 weeks (11-24 weeks). A high image quality score (> 6.5) was achieved in 95% of micro-CT studies, higher for the head (median = 9) than chest (median = 8.5) imaging. The strongest negative predictors of image quality were increasing maceration and body weight (p < 0.001), with number of projections being the best positive imaging predictor. CONCLUSIONS High micro-CT image quality score is achievable following early pregnancy loss despite fetal maceration, particularly in smaller fetuses where conventional autopsy may be particularly challenging. These findings will help establish clinical micro-CT imaging services, addressing the need for less invasive fetal autopsy methods.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ian Craig Simcock
- Department of Clinical Radiology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK.
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK.
- NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK.
| | - Susan Cheng Shelmerdine
- Department of Clinical Radiology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
- NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
| | - Dean Langan
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Guy Anna
- Department of Clinical Radiology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
- NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
| | - Neil James Sebire
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
- NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
- Department of Histopathology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK
| | - Owen John Arthurs
- Department of Clinical Radiology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
- NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Ulm B, Dovjak GO, Scharrer A, Muin DA, Zimpfer D, Prayer D, Weber M, Berger-Kulemann V. Diagnostic quality of 3Tesla postmortem magnetic resonance imaging in fetuses with and without congenital heart disease. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2021; 225:189.e1-189.e30. [PMID: 33662361 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2021.02.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Revised: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Postmortem confirmation of prenatally diagnosed congenital heart disease after termination of pregnancy and evaluation of potential cardiac defects after spontaneous fetal or neonatal death are essential. Conventional autopsy rates are decreasing, and 1.5Tesla magnetic resonance imaging has demonstrated limited diagnostic accuracy for postmortem cardiovascular assessment. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and image quality of cardiac 3Tesla postmortem magnetic resonance imaging and to assess its diagnostic accuracy in detecting fetal heart defects compared with conventional autopsy. Secondarily, the study aimed to explore whether clinical factors affect the quality of 3Tesla postmortem magnetic resonance imaging. STUDY DESIGN A total of 222 consecutive fetuses between 12 and 41 weeks' gestation, who underwent 3Tesla postmortem magnetic resonance imaging and conventional autopsy after spontaneous death or termination of pregnancy for fetal malformations, were included. First, 3Tesla postmortem magnetic resonance imaging of each fetus was rated as diagnostic or nondiagnostic for fetal cardiac assessment by 2 independent raters. The image quality of individual cardiac structures was then further evaluated by visual grading analysis. Finally, the presence or absence of a congenital heart defect was assessed by 2 radiologists and compared with autopsy results. RESULTS Overall, 87.8% of 3Tesla postmortem magnetic resonance imaging examinations were rated as diagnostic for the fetal heart. Diagnostic imaging rates of individual cardiac structures at 3Tesla postmortem magnetic resonance imaging ranged from 85.1% (atrioventricular valves) to 94.6% (pericardium), with an interrater agreement of 0.82 (0.78-0.86). Diagnostic imaging of the fetal aortic arch and the systemic veins at 3Tesla postmortem magnetic resonance imaging was possible from 12+5 weeks' gestation onward in 90.1% and 92.3% of cases, respectively. A total of 55 fetuses (24.8%) had at least 1 cardiac anomaly according to autopsy, 164 (73.9%) had a normal heart, and in 3 fetuses (1.4%), autopsy was nondiagnostic for the heart. Considering all examinations rated as diagnostic, 3Tesla postmortem magnetic resonance imaging provided high diagnostic accuracy for the detection of fetal congenital heart defects with a sensitivity of 87.8%, a specificity of 97.9%, and concordance with autopsy of 95.3%. 3Tesla postmortem magnetic resonance imaging was less accurate in young fetuses (<20 weeks compared with ≥20 weeks; P<.001), in fetuses with low birthweight (≤100 g compared with >100 g; P<.001), in cases after spontaneous fetal death (compared with other modes of death; P=.012), in cases with increasing latency between death and 3Tesla postmortem magnetic resonance imaging (P<.001), and in cases in which there was a high degree of maceration (maceration score of 3 compared with a score from 0 to 2; P=.004). CONCLUSION Diagnostic 3Tesla postmortem magnetic resonance imaging assessment of the fetal heart is feasible in most fetuses from 12 weeks' gestation onward. In diagnostic images, sensitivity and, particularly, specificity in the detection of congenital heart disease are high compared with conventional autopsy. Owing to its high diagnostic accuracy, we suggest that 3Tesla postmortem magnetic resonance imaging may serve as a suitable imaging modality with which to direct a targeted conventional autopsy when pathology resources are limited or to provide a virtual autopsy when full autopsy is declined by the parents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Ulm
- Division of Obstetrics and Fetomaternal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Gregor O Dovjak
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-Guided Therapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Anke Scharrer
- Department of Pathology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Dana A Muin
- Division of Obstetrics and Fetomaternal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Daniel Zimpfer
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Daniela Prayer
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-Guided Therapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Weber
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-Guided Therapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Vanessa Berger-Kulemann
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-Guided Therapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Shelmerdine SC, Hutchinson JC, Lewis C, Simcock IC, Sekar T, Sebire NJ, Arthurs OJ. A pragmatic evidence-based approach to post-mortem perinatal imaging. Insights Imaging 2021; 12:101. [PMID: 34264420 PMCID: PMC8282801 DOI: 10.1186/s13244-021-01042-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Post-mortem imaging has a high acceptance rate amongst parents and healthcare professionals as a non-invasive method for investigating perinatal deaths. Previously viewed as a 'niche' subspecialty, it is becoming increasingly requested, with general radiologists now more frequently asked to oversee and advise on appropriate imaging protocols. Much of the current literature to date has focussed on diagnostic accuracy and clinical experiences of individual centres and their imaging techniques (e.g. post-mortem CT, MRI, ultrasound and micro-CT), and pragmatic, evidence-based guidance for how to approach such referrals in real-world practice is lacking. In this review, we summarise the latest research and provide an approach and flowchart to aid decision-making for perinatal post-mortem imaging. We highlight key aspects of the maternal and antenatal history that radiologists should consider when protocolling studies (e.g. antenatal imaging findings and history), and emphasise important factors that could impact the diagnostic quality of post-mortem imaging examinations (e.g. post-mortem weight and time interval). Considerations regarding when ancillary post-mortem image-guided biopsy tests are beneficial are also addressed, and we provide key references for imaging protocols for a variety of cross-sectional imaging modalities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Susan C Shelmerdine
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, WC1N 3JH, UK. .,UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK. .,Great Ormond Street Hospital NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK.
| | - J Ciaran Hutchinson
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, WC1N 3JH, UK.,UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK.,Great Ormond Street Hospital NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
| | - Celine Lewis
- Population, Policy and Practice Department, UCL GOS Institute of Child Health, London, UK.,North Thames Genomic Laboratory Hub, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, UK
| | - Ian C Simcock
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, WC1N 3JH, UK.,UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK.,Great Ormond Street Hospital NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
| | - Thivya Sekar
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, WC1N 3JH, UK.,UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK.,Great Ormond Street Hospital NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
| | - Neil J Sebire
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, WC1N 3JH, UK.,UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK.,Great Ormond Street Hospital NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
| | - Owen J Arthurs
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, WC1N 3JH, UK.,UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK.,Great Ormond Street Hospital NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Shelmerdine SC, Simcock IC, Hutchinson JC, Guy A, Ashworth MT, Sebire NJ, Arthurs OJ. Postmortem microfocus computed tomography for noninvasive autopsies: experience in >250 human fetuses. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2021; 224:103.e1-103.e15. [PMID: 32682860 PMCID: PMC7805479 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2020.07.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Revised: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Background Noninvasive imaging autopsy alternatives for fetuses weighing <500 grams are limited. Microfocus computed tomography has been reported as a viable option in small case series with the potential to avoid an invasive autopsy. Implementation of postmortem microfocus computed tomography in a large cohort as part of routine clinical service has yet been unreported, and realistic “autopsy prevention rates” are unknown. Objective This study aimed to describe the range of abnormalities detectable on fetal microfocus computed tomography in a clinical setting and additional findings identified on the antenatal ultrasound and to estimate the invasive autopsy avoidance rate (ie, cases in which imaging was sufficient to deem autopsy unnecessary). Study Design A prospective observational case series of all fetuses referred for microfocus computed tomography imaging at a single institution was conducted for 3 years (2016–2019). Imaging was reported by 2 pediatric radiologists before autopsy, with “decision to proceed” based on the specialist perinatal pathologists’ judgment and parental consent. Agreement rates between microfocus computed tomography and antenatal ultrasound were evaluated, and where feasible, diagnostic accuracy for microfocus computed tomography was calculated using autopsy as a reference standard. Results A total of 268 fetuses were included (2–350 grams body weight; 11–24 weeks’ gestation), with cause for demise in 122 of 268 (45.5%). Of the 122 fetuses, 64 (52.5%) exhibited fetal anomalies. Although 221 of 268 (82.5%) fetuses had consent for invasive autopsy, only 29 of the 221 (13.1%) underwent this procedure, which implied an autopsy avoidance rate of 192 of 221 (86.9%). Complete agreement was present for all brain, thoracic, and abdominal pathologies, whereas sensitivity and specificity for cardiac anomalies were 66.7% and 91.7%, respectively. Microfocus computed tomography and antenatal ultrasound agreement was found in 219 of 266 cases (81.9%), with partial agreement in 21 of 266 (7.9%) and disagreement in 26 of 266 (10.5%), mostly because of additional cardiac, soft tissue, or genitourinary findings by microfocus computed tomography, which were not seen on the ultrasound. Conclusion Fetal microfocus computed tomography imaging is a viable and useful tool for imaging early gestational fetuses and can avoid the need for invasive autopsy. Confirmation of antenatal diagnoses is achieved in most cases, and additional anomalies may also be detected.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Susan C Shelmerdine
- Department of Clinical Radiology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, United Kingdom; UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, United Kingdom; National Institute for Health Research Biomedical Research Centre, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Ian C Simcock
- Department of Clinical Radiology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, United Kingdom; UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, United Kingdom; National Institute for Health Research Biomedical Research Centre, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - John Ciaran Hutchinson
- Department of Paediatric Pathology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, United Kingdom
| | - Anna Guy
- Department of Clinical Radiology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, United Kingdom
| | - Michael T Ashworth
- Department of Paediatric Pathology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, United Kingdom
| | - Neil J Sebire
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, United Kingdom; Department of Paediatric Pathology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, United Kingdom; National Institute for Health Research Biomedical Research Centre, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Owen J Arthurs
- Department of Clinical Radiology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, United Kingdom; UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, United Kingdom; National Institute for Health Research Biomedical Research Centre, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Kang X, Carlin A, Cannie MM, Sanchez TC, Jani JC. Fetal postmortem imaging: an overview of current techniques and future perspectives. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2020; 223:493-515. [PMID: 32376319 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2020.04.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Revised: 04/19/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Fetal death because of miscarriage, unexpected intrauterine fetal demise, or termination of pregnancy is a traumatic event for any family. Despite advances in prenatal imaging and genetic diagnosis, conventional autopsy remains the gold standard because it can provide additional information not available during fetal life in up to 40% of cases and this by itself may change the recurrence risk and hence future counseling for parents. However, conventional autopsy is negatively affected by procedures involving long reporting times because the fetal brain is prone to the effect of autolysis, which may result in suboptimal examinations, particularly of the central nervous system. More importantly, fewer than 50%-60% of parents consent to invasive autopsy, mainly owing to the concerns about body disfigurement. Consequently, this has led to the development of noninvasive perinatal virtual autopsy using imaging techniques. Because a significant component of conventional autopsy involves the anatomic examination of organs, imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound, and computed tomography are possible alternatives. With a parental acceptance rate of nearly 100%, imaging techniques as part of postmortem examination have become widely used in recent years in some countries. Postmortem magnetic resonance imaging using 1.5-Tesla magnets is the most studied technique and offers an overall diagnostic accuracy of 77%-94%. It is probably the best choice as a virtual autopsy technique for fetuses >20 weeks' gestation. However, for fetuses <20 weeks' gestation, its performance is poor. The use of higher magnetic resonance imaging magnetic fields such as 3-Tesla may slightly improve performance. Of note, in cases of fetal maceration, magnetic resonance imaging may offer diagnoses in a proportion of brain lesions wherein conventional autopsy fails. Postmortem ultrasound examination using a high-frequency probe offers overall sensitivity and specificity of 67%-77% and 74%-90%, respectively, with the advantage of easy access and affordability. The main difference between postmortem ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging relates to their respective abilities to obtain images of sufficient quality for a confident diagnosis. The nondiagnostic rate using postmortem ultrasound ranges from 17% to 30%, depending on the organ examined, whereas the nondiagnostic rate using postmortem magnetic resonance imaging in most situations is far less than 10%. For fetuses ≤20 weeks' gestation, microfocus computed tomography achieves close to 100% agreement with autopsy and is likely to be the technique of the future in this subgroup. The lack of histology has always been listed as 1 limitation of all postmortem imaging techniques. Image-guided needle tissue biopsy coupled with any postmortem imaging can overcome this limitation. In addition to describing the diagnostic accuracy and limitations of each imaging technology, we propose a novel, stepwise diagnostic approach and describe the possible application of these techniques in clinical practice as an alternative or an adjunct or for triage to select cases that would specifically benefit from invasive examination, with the aim of reducing parental distress and pathologist workload. The widespread use of postmortem fetal imaging is inevitable, meaning that hurdles such as specialized training and dedicated financing must be overcome to improve access to these newer, well-validated techniques.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xin Kang
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Brugmann, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Andrew Carlin
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Brugmann, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Mieke M Cannie
- Radiology, University Hospital Brugmann, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium; Department of Radiology, UZ Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Teresa Cos Sanchez
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Brugmann, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jacques C Jani
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Brugmann, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Prayer D, Deprest J. The use of MRI in fetal conditions amenable for antenatal management. Prenat Diagn 2020; 40:3-5. [PMID: 31860748 DOI: 10.1002/pd.5629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2019] [Accepted: 11/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Prayer
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-guided Therapy, Division of Neuroradiology and Musculoskeletal Radiology, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | - Jan Deprest
- Clinical Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospitals Leuven, and Academic Development and Regeneration, Cluster Woman and Child, Leuven, Belgium.,Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Shelmerdine SC, Hutchinson JC, Arthurs OJ, Sebire NJ. Latest developments in post-mortem foetal imaging. Prenat Diagn 2019; 40:28-37. [PMID: 31525275 DOI: 10.1002/pd.5562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2019] [Revised: 08/29/2019] [Accepted: 09/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
A sustained decline in parental consent rates for perinatal autopsies has driven the development of less-invasive methods for death investigation. A wide variety of imaging modalities have been developed for this purpose and include post-mortem whole body magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) and micro-focus CT techniques. These are also vital for "minimally invasive" methods, which include potential for tissue sampling, such as image guidance for targeted biopsies and laparoscopic-assisted techniques. In this article, we address the range of imaging techniques currently in clinical practice and those under development. Significant advances in high-field MRI and micro-focus CT imaging show particular promise for smaller and earlier gestation foetuses. We also review how MRI biomarkers such as diffusion-weighted imaging and organ volumetric analysis may aid diagnosis and image interpretation in the absence of autopsy data. Three-dimensional printing and augmented reality may help make imaging findings more accessible to parents, colleagues and trainees.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Susan C Shelmerdine
- Department of Radiology Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust London, London, UK.,UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health London, London, UK.,NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre London, London, UK
| | - John C Hutchinson
- Department of Radiology Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust London, London, UK.,UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health London, London, UK.,NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre London, London, UK
| | - Owen J Arthurs
- Department of Radiology Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust London, London, UK.,UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health London, London, UK.,NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre London, London, UK
| | - Neil J Sebire
- Department of Radiology Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust London, London, UK.,UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health London, London, UK.,NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre London, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Chitty LS. Ultrasound examination: The key to maximising the benefits of advances in molecular diagnostic technologies. Prenat Diagn 2019; 39:663-665. [DOI: 10.1002/pd.5537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2019] [Accepted: 07/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lyn S. Chitty
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust London UK
- Genetics and Genomic MedicineThe UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health London UK
| |
Collapse
|