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Vasung L, Abaci Turk E, Ferradal SL, Sutin J, Stout JN, Ahtam B, Lin PY, Grant PE. Exploring early human brain development with structural and physiological neuroimaging. Neuroimage 2019; 187:226-254. [PMID: 30041061 PMCID: PMC6537870 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2018.07.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2017] [Revised: 07/16/2018] [Accepted: 07/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Early brain development, from the embryonic period to infancy, is characterized by rapid structural and functional changes. These changes can be studied using structural and physiological neuroimaging methods. In order to optimally acquire and accurately interpret this data, concepts from adult neuroimaging cannot be directly transferred. Instead, one must have a basic understanding of fetal and neonatal structural and physiological brain development, and the important modulators of this process. Here, we first review the major developmental milestones of transient cerebral structures and structural connectivity (axonal connectivity) followed by a summary of the contributions from ex vivo and in vivo MRI. Next, we discuss the basic biology of neuronal circuitry development (synaptic connectivity, i.e. ensemble of direct chemical and electrical connections between neurons), physiology of neurovascular coupling, baseline metabolic needs of the fetus and the infant, and functional connectivity (defined as statistical dependence of low-frequency spontaneous fluctuations seen with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)). The complementary roles of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), electroencephalography (EEG), magnetoencephalography (MEG), and near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) are discussed. We include a section on modulators of brain development where we focus on the placenta and emerging placental MRI approaches. In each section we discuss key technical limitations of the imaging modalities and some of the limitations arising due to the biology of the system. Although neuroimaging approaches have contributed significantly to our understanding of early brain development, there is much yet to be done and a dire need for technical innovations and scientific discoveries to realize the future potential of early fetal and infant interventions to avert long term disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lana Vasung
- Fetal-Neonatal Neuroimaging and Developmental Science Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Esra Abaci Turk
- Fetal-Neonatal Neuroimaging and Developmental Science Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Silvina L Ferradal
- Fetal-Neonatal Neuroimaging and Developmental Science Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Jason Sutin
- Fetal-Neonatal Neuroimaging and Developmental Science Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Jeffrey N Stout
- Fetal-Neonatal Neuroimaging and Developmental Science Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Banu Ahtam
- Fetal-Neonatal Neuroimaging and Developmental Science Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Pei-Yi Lin
- Fetal-Neonatal Neuroimaging and Developmental Science Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - P Ellen Grant
- Fetal-Neonatal Neuroimaging and Developmental Science Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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High resolution post-mortem MRI of non-fixed in situ foetal brain in the second trimester of gestation: Normal foetal brain development. Eur Radiol 2017; 28:363-371. [PMID: 28755056 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-017-4965-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2017] [Revised: 05/26/2017] [Accepted: 06/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To describe normal foetal brain development with high resolution post-mortem MRI (PMMRI) of non-fixed foetal brains. METHODS We retrospectively collected PMMRIs of foetuses without intracranial abnormalities and chromosomal aberrations studied after a termination of pregnancy due to extracranial abnormalities or after a spontaneous intrauterine death. PMMRIs were performed on a 3-T scanner without any fixation and without removing the brain from the skull. All PMMRIs were evaluated in consensus by two neuroradiologists. RESULTS Our analysis included ten PMMRIs (median gestational age (GA): 21 weeks; range: 17-28 weeks). At 19 and 20 weeks of GA, the corticospinal tracts are recognisable in the medulla oblongata, becoming less visible from 21 weeks. Prior to 20 weeks the posterior limb of the internal capsule (PLIC) is more hypointense than surrounding deep grey nuclei; starting from 21 weeks the PLIC becomes isointense, and is hyperintense at 28 weeks. From 19-22 weeks, the cerebral hemispheres show transient layers: marginal zone, cortical plate, subplate, and intermediate, subventricular and germinal zones. CONCLUSION PMMRI of non-fixed in situ foetal brains preserves the natural tissue contrast and skull integrity. We assessed foetal brain development in a small cohort of foetuses, focusing on 19-22 weeks of gestation. KEY POINTS • Post-mortem magnetic resonance imaging (PMMRI) of non-fixed head is feasible. • PMMRI of unfixed in situ foetal brains preserves the natural tissue contrast. • PMMRI provide a good depiction of the normal foetal brain development. • PMMRI of unfixed in situ foetal brains preserves the skull integrity. • PMMRI pattern of foetal brain development at early gestational age is described.
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Brossard-Racine M, du Plessis A, Vezina G, Robertson R, Donofrio M, Tworetzky W, Limperopoulos C. Brain Injury in Neonates with Complex Congenital Heart Disease: What Is the Predictive Value of MRI in the Fetal Period? AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2016; 37:1338-46. [PMID: 26988809 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a4716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2015] [Accepted: 01/05/2016] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Brain injury in neonates with congenital heart disease is an important predictor of adverse neurodevelopmental outcome. Impaired brain development in congenital heart disease may have a prenatal origin, but the sensitivity and specificity of fetal brain MR imaging for predicting neonatal brain lesions are currently unknown. We sought to determine the value of conventional fetal MR imaging for predicting abnormal findings on neonatal preoperative MR imaging in neonates with complex congenital heart disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS MR imaging studies were performed in 103 fetuses with confirmed congenital heart disease (mean gestational age, 31.57 ± 3.86 weeks) and were repeated postnatally before cardiac surgery (mean age, 6.8 ± 12.2 days). Each MR imaging study was read by a pediatric neuroradiologist. RESULTS Brain abnormalities were detected in 17/103 (16%) fetuses by fetal MR imaging and in 33/103 (32%) neonates by neonatal MR imaging. Only 9/33 studies with abnormal neonatal findings were preceded by abnormal findings on fetal MR imaging. The sensitivity and specificity of conventional fetal brain MR imaging for predicting neonatal brain abnormalities were 27% and 89%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Brain abnormalities detected by in utero MR imaging in fetuses with congenital heart disease are associated with higher risk of postnatal preoperative brain injury. However, a substantial proportion of anomalies on postnatal MR imaging were not present on fetal MR imaging; this result is likely due to the limitations of conventional fetal MR imaging and the emergence of new lesions that occurred after the fetal studies. Postnatal brain MR imaging studies are needed to confirm the presence of injury before open heart surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Brossard-Racine
- From the Advanced Pediatric Brain Imaging Research Laboratory (M.B.-R., C.L.) Division of Diagnostic Imaging and Radiology (M.B.-R., G.V., C.L.) Fetal and Transitional Medicine (M.B.-R., A.d.P., C.L.)
| | - A du Plessis
- Fetal and Transitional Medicine (M.B.-R., A.d.P., C.L.)
| | - G Vezina
- Division of Diagnostic Imaging and Radiology (M.B.-R., G.V., C.L.)
| | | | - M Donofrio
- Division of Cardiology (M.D.), Children's National Health System, Washington DC
| | - W Tworetzky
- Cardiology (W.T.), Children's Hospital Boston and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - C Limperopoulos
- From the Advanced Pediatric Brain Imaging Research Laboratory (M.B.-R., C.L.) Division of Diagnostic Imaging and Radiology (M.B.-R., G.V., C.L.) Fetal and Transitional Medicine (M.B.-R., A.d.P., C.L.)
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Irwin K, Henry A, Gopikrishna S, Taylor J, Welsh AW. Utility of fetal MRI for workup of fetal central nervous system anomalies in an Australian maternal-fetal medicine cohort. Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol 2016; 56:267-73. [DOI: 10.1111/ajo.12440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2015] [Accepted: 12/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn Irwin
- Department of Maternal Fetal Medicine; Royal Hospital for Women; Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Amanda Henry
- Department of Maternal Fetal Medicine; Royal Hospital for Women; Sydney New South Wales Australia
- School of Women's and Children's Health; University of New South Wales; Sydney New South Wales Australia
- Women's and Children's Health; St George Hospital; Sydney New South Wales Australia
- Australian Centre for Perinatal Science; University of New South Wales; Randwick New South Wales Australia
| | - Saranya Gopikrishna
- School of Women's and Children's Health; University of New South Wales; Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Jeanette Taylor
- Department of Radiology; Prince of Wales Hospital; Randwick New South Wales Australia
| | - Alec W. Welsh
- Department of Maternal Fetal Medicine; Royal Hospital for Women; Sydney New South Wales Australia
- School of Women's and Children's Health; University of New South Wales; Sydney New South Wales Australia
- Australian Centre for Perinatal Science; University of New South Wales; Randwick New South Wales Australia
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Abstract
Fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is used with increasing frequency as a complementary imaging modality to ultrasound (US) in prenatal diagnosis. Fetal MRI displays the fetal, uterine, and extrauterine anatomy in ways that allow confirmation of normal anatomy and the diagnosis of pathological entities that were formerly very difficult to detect prenatally. Comparison of US views with standard orthogonal plane MR images reinforces the understanding of fetal anatomy as visualized with US. Technological advances in US equipment have allowed the recent description of subtle fetal anatomical structures. Similarly, knowledge of the MRI appearances of pathological conditions has opened opportunities for the sonographic diagnosis of entities such as brainstem malformations and alterations in the normal transient laminar pattern that occur during development of the fetal cerebrum. Fetal MRI can confirm suspicious US findings and thus add confidence in a particular prenatal diagnosis before performing invasive and interventional procedures. Specific MRI sequences can be used to add information about the chemical composition of fetal structures, such as fat, blood, and meconium. Dynamic MRI sequences have increased understanding of gestational age-dependent behavior, and assist the sonographer in assessment of fetal structural anomalies that cause abnormal movement and behavior. The technological ability of US to demonstrate very small structures complements the lower resolution of fetal MR images, whereas the ability of MR to visualize the whole fetus improves the limited views necessitated by US. Therefore, both US and fetal MRI have complementary strengths and weaknesses that can be used to full advantage in prenatal diagnosis.
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Abstract
Prenatal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is being increasingly used, in addition to standard ultrasound, for the diagnosis of congenital diseases beyond the central nervous system. Previous studies have demonstrated that MRI may be useful for the in utero visualization of spinal dysraphism and for differentiating between isolated and complex skeletal disorders with associated abnormalities. More recently, attention has focused on the visualization of the human fetal skeleton for the delineation of normal and pathological development of skeletal structures. On 1.5 T, in particular, echoplanar imaging enables the delineation of various epimetaphyseal structures and morphometric measurements of the fetal long bones from 18 gestational weeks until term. This information gathered from prenatal MRI might be helpful in the diagnosis of focal bone abnormalities and generalized skeletal disorders, such as bone dysplasias. Further clinical research, along with the refinement of the newest techniques, will enable expansion of the preliminary findings and help in determining the impact of fetal magnetic resonance bone imaging in the routine clinical setting. This review summarizes the current data in the literature and the authors' clinical experience with the magnetic resonance visualization of the developing fetal skeleton and also comments on the potential future applications of this technique.
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Salomon LJ, Bernard JP, Millischer AE, Sonigo P, Brunelle F, Boddaert N, Ville Y. MRI and ultrasound fusion imaging for prenatal diagnosis. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2013; 209:148.e1-9. [PMID: 23685001 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2013.05.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2012] [Revised: 03/14/2013] [Accepted: 05/14/2013] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE A combination of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images with real time high-resolution ultrasound known as fusion imaging may improve prenatal examination. This study was undertaken to evaluate the feasibility of using fusion of MRI and ultrasound (US) in prenatal imaging. STUDY DESIGN This study was conducted in a tertiary referral center. All patients referred for prenatal MRI were offered to undergo fusion of MRI and US examination. All cases underwent 1.5 Tesla MRI protocol including at least 3 T2-weighted planes. The Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine volume dataset was then loaded into the US system for manual registration of the live US image and fusion imaging examination. RESULTS Over the study period, 24 patients underwent fusion imaging at a median gestational age of 31 (range, 24-35) weeks. Data registration, matching and then volume navigation was feasible in all cases. Fusion imaging allowed superimposing MRI and US images therefore providing with real time imaging capabilities and high tissue contrast. It also allowed adding a real time Doppler signal on MRI images. Significant fetal movement required repeat-registration in 15 (60%) cases. The average duration of the overall additional scan with fusion imaging was 10 ± 5 minutes. CONCLUSION The combination of fetal real time MRI and US image fusion and navigation is feasible. Multimodality fusion imaging may enable easier and more extensive prenatal diagnosis.
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Rousseau F, Oubel E, Pontabry J, Schweitzer M, Studholme C, Koob M, Dietemann JL. BTK: an open-source toolkit for fetal brain MR image processing. COMPUTER METHODS AND PROGRAMS IN BIOMEDICINE 2013; 109:65-73. [PMID: 23036854 PMCID: PMC3508300 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmpb.2012.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2011] [Revised: 05/29/2012] [Accepted: 08/15/2012] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Studies about brain maturation aim at providing a better understanding of brain development and links between brain changes and cognitive development. Such studies are of great interest for diagnosis help and clinical course of development and treatment of illnesses. However, the processing of fetal brain MR images remains complicated which limits the translation from the research to the clinical domain. In this article, we describe an open-source image processing toolkit dedicated to these images. In this toolkit various tools are included such as: denoising, image reconstruction, super-resolution and tractography. The BTK resource program (distributed under CeCILL-B license) is developed in C++ and relies on common medical imaging libraries such as Insight Toolkit (ITK), Visualization Toolkit (VTK) and Open Multi-Processing (OpenMP).
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Mailath-Pokorny M, Kasprian G, Mitter C, Schöpf V, Nemec U, Prayer D. Magnetic resonance methods in fetal neurology. Semin Fetal Neonatal Med 2012; 17:278-84. [PMID: 22749691 DOI: 10.1016/j.siny.2012.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has become an established clinical adjunct for the in-vivo evaluation of human brain development. Normal fetal brain maturation can be studied with MRI from the 18th week of gestation to term and relies primarily on T2-weighted sequences. Recently diffusion-weighted sequences have gained importance in the structural assessment of the fetal brain. Diffusion-weighted imaging provides quantitative information about water motion and tissue microstructure and has applications for both developmental and destructive brain processes. Advanced magnetic resonance techniques, such as spectroscopy, might be used to demonstrate metabolites that are involved in brain maturation, though their development is still in the early stages. Using fetal MRI in addition to prenatal ultrasound, morphological, metabolic, and functional assessment of the fetus can be achieved. The latter is not only based on observation of fetal movements as an indirect sign of activity of the fetal brain but also on direct visualization of fetal brain activity, adding a new component to fetal neurology. This article provides an overview of the MRI methods used for fetal neurologic evaluation, focusing on normal and abnormal early brain development.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Mailath-Pokorny
- Medical University of Vienna, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vienna, Austria.
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Nemec SF, Nemec U, Brugger PC, Bettelheim D, Rotmensch S, Graham JM, Rimoin DL, Prayer D. MR imaging of the fetal musculoskeletal system. Prenat Diagn 2012; 32:205-13. [DOI: 10.1002/pd.2914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Franz Nemec
- Medical University Vienna; Department of Radiology, Division of Neuroradiology and Musculoskeletal Radiology; Waehringer Guertel 18-20 Vienna A-1090 Austria
- Cedars Sinai Medical Center; Medical Genetics Institute, 8700 Beverly Boulevard, PACT Suite 400; 8700 Beverly Boulevard, PACT Suite 400 Los Angeles CA, 90048 90048 USA
| | - Ursula Nemec
- Medical University Vienna; Department of Radiology, Division of Neuroradiology and Musculoskeletal Radiology; Waehringer Guertel 18-20 Vienna A-1090 Austria
| | - Peter C. Brugger
- Medical University Vienna; Center of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Integrative Morphology Group; Vienna Austria
| | - Dieter Bettelheim
- Medical University Vienna; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Division of Prenatal Diagnosis and Therapy; Vienna Austria
| | - Siegfried Rotmensch
- Cedars Sinai Medical Center; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine; Los Angeles CA USA
| | - John M. Graham
- Cedars Sinai Medical Center; Medical Genetics Institute, 8700 Beverly Boulevard, PACT Suite 400; 8700 Beverly Boulevard, PACT Suite 400 Los Angeles CA, 90048 90048 USA
| | - David L. Rimoin
- Cedars Sinai Medical Center; Medical Genetics Institute, 8700 Beverly Boulevard, PACT Suite 400; 8700 Beverly Boulevard, PACT Suite 400 Los Angeles CA, 90048 90048 USA
| | - Daniela Prayer
- Medical University Vienna; Department of Radiology, Division of Neuroradiology and Musculoskeletal Radiology; Waehringer Guertel 18-20 Vienna A-1090 Austria
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Tumor disease and associated congenital abnormalities on prenatal MRI. Eur J Radiol 2012; 81:e115-22. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2010.12.095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2010] [Revised: 12/19/2010] [Accepted: 12/28/2010] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Buhk JH, Frisch M, Yamamura J, Graessner J, Adam G, Wedegärtner U. High-resolution in utero 3D MR imaging of inner ear microstructures in fetal sheep. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2011; 32:2043-6. [PMID: 22033721 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a2736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Developmental inner ear abnormalities can occur due to embryopathies as well as in the context of syndromal diseases like the CHARGE association. In severe cases, an early and definite in utero diagnosis is important for decision-making; here, fetal MR imaging can be a helpful tool. We present results of performing high-resolution MR imaging of the inner ear structures of fetal sheep in vivo. METHODS AND MATERIALS Six ewes carrying singleton fetuses (mean gestational age, 120 days) were examined under general anesthesia at 1.5T. A 3D true FISP sequence with isotropic voxel size (0.7 mm) was applied; acquisition time was 2:35 minutes. For a standard of reference, 1 stillborn lamb of equivalent gestation age was examined. Image analysis was performed in consensus by 2 radiologists regarding the depiction of anatomic landmarks on a 5-point scale. Motion artifacts were quantified on a 3-point scale. RESULTS The turns and modiolus of the cochlea as well as the origins of all 3 semicircular canals of the vestibular system of both sides could be reliably identified in every animal. Motion artifacts due to maternal breathing excursions or movements of the fetus were minimal. In case of breech presentation, the ventilation of the ewe had to be paused during the image acquisition to achieve acceptable results. CONCLUSIONS High-resolution intrauterine MR imaging of the inner ear microstructures in an animal model is feasible. However, the acquisition time of the sequence applied is still too long to perform such measurement in a clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- J-H Buhk
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
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Cassady CI, Mehollin-Ray AR, Olutoye OO, Cass DL. Jugular vein hypoplasia can preclude extracorporeal membrane oxygenation cannulation in the neonate with congenital diaphragmatic hernia: potential identification of the neonate at risk by fetal magnetic resonance imaging. Fetal Diagn Ther 2011; 30:225-8. [PMID: 21968417 DOI: 10.1159/000330783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2011] [Accepted: 07/09/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is used routinely in many fetal care centers for the evaluation of the fetus with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). Current MRI strategies focus on identifying the type of hernia and its contents, as well as calculating fetal lung volumes, in order to plan appropriately for neonatal support, including the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Single-shot fast spin-echo T(2)-weighted sequences are fundamental, with additional sequences used variably as indicated. We report the case of a fetus with CDH in whom ECMO cannulation was attempted as a neonate but was unsuccessful because of variant anatomy of the internal jugular vein. A retrospective review of gradient echo sequences obtained through the fetal neck and chest showed the abnormality could have been anticipated. During multidisciplinary assessment of the fetus with CDH, consideration should be given to imaging evaluation of the neck to evaluate the cervical vascular anatomy, particularly in cases with poorer prognosis in whom it is anticipated that neonatal ECMO may be an option.
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Nemec SF, Höftberger R, Nemec U, Bettelheim D, Brugger PC, Kasprian G, Amann G, Rotmensch S, Graham JM, Rimoin DL, Prayer D. Fetal akinesia and associated abnormalities on prenatal MRI. Prenat Diagn 2011; 31:484-90. [PMID: 21374641 DOI: 10.1002/pd.2724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2010] [Accepted: 01/04/2011] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In view of the increasing role of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as an adjunct to prenatal ultrasonography (US), this study sought to demonstrate the visualization of fetal akinesia and associated abnormalities on MRI. METHODS This retrospective study included six fetuses with akinesia and associated abnormalities, depicted on fetal MRI after suspicious prenatal US. The whole fetus was assessed for musculoskeletal abnormalities and associated pathological conditions elsewhere. Fetal outcome data were compared with prenatal imaging. US and MRI findings were also compared. RESULTS Akinesia resulting in arthrogryposis was seen in 6/6 fetuses, with abnormal musculature in 5/6 fetuses. Associated brain abnormalities were found in 2/6 fetuses; facial abnormalities in 3/6; lung hypoplasia in 3/6; and polyhydramnios in 2/6. There were 5/6 pregnancies that were terminated and one individual died neonatally. MRI and brain autopsy were concordant in 4/6 cases. MRI and body autopsy were concordant in 1/6 cases and in 5/6 cases, autopsy revealed additional abnormalities. In addition to US, MRI correctly identified central nervous system findings in four cases and lung hypoplasia in three cases. CONCLUSION Our MRI results demonstrate fetal akinesia and associated abnormalities, which may have an impact on perinatal management, as an adjunct to prenatal US.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan F Nemec
- Department of Radiology, Division of Neuroradiology and Musculoskeletal Radiology, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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Nemec U, Nemec SF, Krakow D, Brugger PC, Malinger G, Graham JM, Rimoin DL, Prayer D. The skeleton and musculature on foetal MRI. Insights Imaging 2011; 2:309-318. [PMID: 22347955 PMCID: PMC3259321 DOI: 10.1007/s13244-011-0075-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2010] [Revised: 11/21/2010] [Accepted: 01/27/2011] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is used as an adjunct to ultrasound in prenatal imaging, the latter being the standard technique in obstetrical medicine. METHODS: Initial results demonstrate the ability to visualise the foetal skeleton and muscles on MRI, and highlight the potentially useful applications for foetal MRI, which has significantly profited from innovations in sequence technology. Echoplanar imaging, thick-slab T2-weighted (w) imaging, and dynamic sequences are techniques complementary to classical T2-w imaging. RESULTS: Recent study data indicate that foetal MRI may be useful in the imaging of spinal dysraphism and in differentiating between isolated and complex skeletal deformities with associated congenital malformations, which might have an impact on pre- and postnatal management. CONCLUSION: More research and technical refinement will be necessary to investigate normal human skeletal development and to identify MR imaging characteristics of skeletal abnormalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ursula Nemec
- Department of Radiology, Division of Neuroradiology and Musculoskeletal Radiology, Medical University Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Stefan F. Nemec
- Medical Genetics Institute, Cedars Sinai Medical Center, 8700 Beverly Boulevard, PACT Suite 400, Los Angeles, CA 90048 USA
| | - Deborah Krakow
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095 USA
| | - Peter C. Brugger
- Center of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Integrative Morphology Group, Medical University Vienna, Waehringerstrasse 13, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Gustavo Malinger
- Fetal Neurology Clinic, Prenatal Diagnosis Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - John M. Graham
- Medical Genetics Institute, Cedars Sinai Medical Center, 8700 Beverly Boulevard, PACT Suite 400, Los Angeles, CA 90048 USA
| | - David L. Rimoin
- Medical Genetics Institute, Cedars Sinai Medical Center, 8700 Beverly Boulevard, PACT Suite 400, Los Angeles, CA 90048 USA
| | - Daniela Prayer
- Department of Radiology, Division of Neuroradiology and Musculoskeletal Radiology, Medical University Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria
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Ozkan ZS, Gilgin H, Aygün HB, Deveci D, Simşek M, Kumru S, Yüce H. Our clinical experience about prenatal diagnosis and neonatal outcomes of fetal central nervous system anomalies. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2010; 24:502-5. [PMID: 20807159 DOI: 10.3109/14767058.2010.501125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To present a retrospective analysis of the prenatal diagnosis and the outcome of fetuses diagnosed with central nervous system (CNS) anomalies. MATERIALS AND METHODS We reviewed the medical records and ultrasound data of 69 cases diagnosed with CNS anomalies from 2007 to 2008. We described the prenatal diagnosis, associated findings, and outcome of these patients. RESULTS Sixty-nine patients were diagnosed with CNS anomalies. Of these, 31 had ventriculomegaly + hydrocephaly, 14 had spina bifida + meningomyelosel, 5 had choroid plexus cyst, 5 had Dandy Walker malformation, 3 had sacrocoxigeal teratoma, 2 had encephalosel, 1 had microcephaly, and 1 had Arnold Chiari malformation. Eight amniocentesis, three cord blood sampling, and two fetal reduction procedure were performed. Nine pregnancy termination and 36 delivery were performed. Neurosurgical correction was performed for neonates with spina bifida, hydrocephaly and sacrocoxigeal teratoma. Twenty-one neonates were discharged with cure, 4 neonates with follow-up, 7 neonates with paraplegia, and 13 neonates died. CONCLUSION The outcome of fetuses with CNS anomalies was shown to depend mainly on the degree of neural tube defect and the associated anomalies were the most important factors in surviving.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zehra Sema Ozkan
- Department of Obstetric and Gynecology, Diskapi Yildirim Beyazit Education and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey.
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