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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.
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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
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2
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The Role and Place of Thanatoradiological Studies in the Pathological Examination of Fetuses and Newborns. Bull Exp Biol Med 2022; 173:691-705. [DOI: 10.1007/s10517-022-05615-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Pérez-Serrano C, Bartolomé Á, Bargalló N, Sebastià C, Nadal A, Gómez O, Oleaga L. Perinatal post-mortem magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the central nervous system (CNS): a pictorial review. Insights Imaging 2021; 12:104. [PMID: 34292413 PMCID: PMC8298710 DOI: 10.1186/s13244-021-01051-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Central nervous system (CNS) abnormalities cause approximately 32–37.7% of terminations of pregnancy (TOP). Autopsy is currently the gold standard for assessing dead foetuses and stillborn. However, it has limitations and is sometimes subject to parental rejection. Recent studies have described post-mortem foetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as an alternative and even complementary to autopsy for CNS assessment. Radiologists now play a key role in the evaluation of perinatal deaths. Assessment of foetal CNS abnormalities is difficult, and interpretation of foetal studies requires familiarisation with normal and abnormal findings in post-mortem MRI studies as well as the strengths and limitations of the imaging studies. The purpose of this pictorial review is to report our experience in the post-mortem MRI evaluation of the CNS system, including a description of the protocol used, normal CNS findings related to post-mortem status, abnormal CNS findings in our sample, and the correlation of these findings with histopathological results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Pérez-Serrano
- Radiology Department, CDIC, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, C/Villarroel no. 170, 08036, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Álvaro Bartolomé
- Radiology Department, CDIC, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, C/Villarroel no. 170, 08036, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Núria Bargalló
- Radiology Department, CDIC, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, C/Villarroel no. 170, 08036, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carmen Sebastià
- Radiology Department, CDIC, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, C/Villarroel no. 170, 08036, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alfons Nadal
- Pathology Department, CDB, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, C/Villarroel no. 170, 08036, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Olga Gómez
- Gynecology Department, ICGON, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, C/Villarroel no. 170, 08036, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laura Oleaga
- Radiology Department, CDIC, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, C/Villarroel no. 170, 08036, Barcelona, Spain.,University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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Magnetic resonance imaging of the fetal central nervous system: Timing and consistency between pre- and postnatal diagnoses. Eur J Paediatr Neurol 2020; 29:62-65. [PMID: 33004267 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpn.2020.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Revised: 08/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION It has been shown that a proper comparison of prenatal ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is possible only in the case of a short interval between tests. However, it is worth noting that the reference test is a postnatal examination. The aim of our study was to evaluate the effect of time between prenatal MRI (pMRI) and postnatal examinations on the consistency of diagnoses. MATERIAL AND METHODS The prospective observational study was carried out between 2014 and 2017 at the Department of Obstetrics and Perinatology of Krakow University Hospital. In total, 60 patients with fetuses suspected of central nervous system (CNS) defects were included in the study group. PMRI examinations were conducted in the third trimester of pregnancy. RESULTS The median gestational age of pMRI was 35 weeks and median of the time interval between carrying out pre- and postnatal test was 34.5 days. In the group of nonconcordant diagnoses, the interval was longer. The analysis did not show a statistically significant relationship between consistency of diagnoses and timing of pMRI. The median time of pregnancy at which pMRI was performed was similar in both groups. A prolongation of the interval between examinations reduced the probability of consistency of diagnoses. CONCLUSIONS The number of inaccurate results increased with the prolongation of the interval between pre- and postnatal tests. KEY MESSAGE Prolongation of the interval between pre- and postnatal increases number of inaccurate results.
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Griffiths PD, Bradburn M, Campbell MJ, Cooper CL, Embleton N, Graham R, Hart AR, Jarvis D, Kilby MD, Lie M, Mason G, Mandefield L, Mooney C, Pennington R, Robson SC, Wailoo A. MRI in the diagnosis of fetal developmental brain abnormalities: the MERIDIAN diagnostic accuracy study. Health Technol Assess 2020; 23:1-144. [PMID: 31538569 DOI: 10.3310/hta23490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ultrasonography has been the mainstay of antenatal screening programmes in the UK for many years. Technical factors and physical limitations may result in suboptimal images that can lead to incorrect diagnoses and inaccurate counselling and prognostic information being given to parents. Previous studies suggest that the addition of in utero magnetic resonance imaging (iuMRI) may improve diagnostic accuracy for fetal brain abnormalities. These studies have limitations, including a lack of an outcome reference diagnosis (ORD), which means that improvements could not be assessed accurately. OBJECTIVES To assess the diagnostic impact, acceptability and cost consequence of iuMRI among fetuses with a suspected fetal brain abnormality. DESIGN A pragmatic, prospective, multicentre, cohort study with a health economics analysis and a sociological substudy. SETTING Sixteen UK fetal medicine centres. PARTICIPANTS Pregnant women aged ≥ 16 years carrying a fetus (at least 18 weeks' gestation) with a suspected brain abnormality detected on ultrasonography. INTERVENTIONS Participants underwent iuMRI and the findings were reported to their referring fetal medicine clinician. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Pregnancy outcome was followed up and an ORD from postnatal imaging or postmortem autopsy/imaging collected when available. Developmental data from the Bayley Scales of Infant Development and questionnaires were collected from the surviving infants aged 2-3 years. Data on the management of the pregnancy before and after the iuMRI were collected to inform the economic evaluation. Two surveys collected data on patient acceptability of iuMRI and qualitative interviews with participants and health professionals were undertaken. RESULTS The primary analysis consisted of 570 fetuses. The absolute diagnostic accuracies of ultrasonography and iuMRI were 68% and 93%, respectively [a difference of 25%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 21% to 29%]. The difference between ultrasonography and iuMRI increased with gestational age. In the 18-23 weeks group, the figures were 70% for ultrasonography and 92% for iuMRI (difference of 23%, 95% CI 18% to 27%); in the ≥ 24 weeks group, the figures were 65% for ultrasonography and 94% for iuMRI (difference of 29%, 95% CI 23% to 36%). Patient acceptability was high, with at least 95% of respondents stating that they would have iuMRI again in a similar situation. Health professional interviews suggested that iuMRI was acceptable to clinicians and that iuMRI was useful as an adjunct to ultrasonography, but not as a replacement. Across a range of scenarios, iuMRI resulted in additional costs compared with ultrasonography alone. The additional cost was consistently < £600 per patient and the cost per management decision appropriately changed was always < £3000. There is potential for reporting bias from the referring clinicians on the diagnostic and prognostic outcomes. Lower than anticipated follow-up rates at 3 years of age were observed. CONCLUSIONS iuMRI as an adjunct to ultrasonography significantly improves the diagnostic accuracy and confidence for the detection of fetal brain abnormalities. An evaluation of the use of iuMRI for cases of isolated microcephaly and the diagnosis of fetal spine abnormalities is recommended. Longer-term follow-up studies of children diagnosed with fetal brain abnormalities are required to fully assess the functional significance of the diagnoses. TRIAL REGISTRATION Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN27626961. FUNDING This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment programme and will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 23, No. 49. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul D Griffiths
- Academic Unit of Radiology, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Michael Bradburn
- Clinical Trials Research Unit, School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Michael J Campbell
- Clinical Trials Research Unit, School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Cindy L Cooper
- Clinical Trials Research Unit, School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Nicholas Embleton
- Newcastle Neonatal Service, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Ruth Graham
- School of Geography, Politics and Sociology, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Anthony R Hart
- Department of Perinatal and Paediatric Neurology, Sheffield Children's Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield, UK
| | - Deborah Jarvis
- Academic Unit of Radiology, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Mark D Kilby
- Centre for Women's and Newborn Health, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.,Fetal Medicine Centre, Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust (Birmingham Health Partners), Birmingham, UK
| | - Mabel Lie
- Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | | | - Laura Mandefield
- Clinical Trials Research Unit, School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Cara Mooney
- Clinical Trials Research Unit, School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Rebekah Pennington
- Health Economics and Decision Science, School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Stephen C Robson
- Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Allan Wailoo
- Health Economics and Decision Science, School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
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Fantasia I, Bussani R, Gregori M, Zennaro F, D'Ottavio G, Monasta L, Cortivo C, Quadrifoglio M, Maso G, Ricci G, Ottaviani C, Militello R, Stampalija T. Intrauterine versus post-mortem magnetic resonance in second trimester termination of pregnancy for central nervous system abnormalities. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2020; 250:31-35. [PMID: 32387889 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2020.04.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2020] [Revised: 04/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate if limiting factors of intrauterine magnetic resonance imaging (iuMRI) performed in the early second trimester of pregnancy (19-23 weeks) affect its accuracy in comparison to post-mortem MRI (pmMRI) in fetuses that underwent termination of pregnancy (TOP) for central nervous system (CNS) defects. STUDY DESIGN This is a secondary analysis of a 10 years prospective observational study. Cases of TOP < 23 weeks for CNS malformation that had undergone neurosonography (NSG), iuMRI, pmMRI and autopsy were included. The agreement between iuMRI and pmMRI was calculated. The autopsy represented the gold-standard. RESULTS Overall, 143 TOPs for fetal congenital anomaly underwent the post-mortem diagnostic protocol. Of these, 31 cases underwent iuMRI and pmMRI for CNS abnormality. Three cases were excluded due to brain autolysis at autopsy. Corpus callosum defects were the most represented (16/28; 57 %). In only one case of posterior fossa defect, pmMRI identified the presence of vermian hypoplasia not diagnosed at iuMRI. In 2 cases (7%), iuMRI added clinically relevant additional findings to NSG, that were posteriorly confirmed by pmMRI. CONCLUSIONS The study shows that, at 19-23 weeks and for CNS defects, limiting factors that might influence the performance of iuMRI have little influence on iuMRI accuracy. This finding is particularly important for professionals who work in countries with legal bound for TOP in the early second trimester.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Fantasia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute for Maternal and Child Health IRCCS "Burlo Garofolo", Trieste, Italy.
| | - Rossana Bussani
- Institute of Pathological Anatomy, Trieste University Hospital, Trieste, Italy
| | - Massimo Gregori
- Department of Pediatric Radiology, Institute for Maternal and Child Health - IRCCS "Burlo Garofolo", Trieste, Italy
| | - Floriana Zennaro
- Department of Pediatric Radiology, Institute for Maternal and Child Health - IRCCS "Burlo Garofolo", Trieste, Italy
| | - Giuseppina D'Ottavio
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute for Maternal and Child Health IRCCS "Burlo Garofolo", Trieste, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Monasta
- Clinical Epidemiology and Public Health Research Unit, Institute for Maternal and Child Health - IRCCS "Burlo Garofolo", Trieste, Italy
| | - Caterina Cortivo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute for Maternal and Child Health IRCCS "Burlo Garofolo", Trieste, Italy
| | - Mariachiara Quadrifoglio
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute for Maternal and Child Health IRCCS "Burlo Garofolo", Trieste, Italy
| | - Gianpaolo Maso
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute for Maternal and Child Health IRCCS "Burlo Garofolo", Trieste, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Ricci
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Chiara Ottaviani
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute for Maternal and Child Health IRCCS "Burlo Garofolo", Trieste, Italy; Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Roberto Militello
- UOP Ostetricia e Ginecologia, Ospedali Riuniti Villa Sofia-Cervello, Palermo, Italy
| | - Tamara Stampalija
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute for Maternal and Child Health IRCCS "Burlo Garofolo", Trieste, Italy; Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
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7
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Struksnæs C, Blaas HGK, Vogt C. Autopsy Findings of Central Nervous System Anomalies in Intact Fetuses Following Termination of Pregnancy After Prenatal Ultrasound Diagnosis. Pediatr Dev Pathol 2019; 22:546-557. [PMID: 31256740 DOI: 10.1177/1093526619860385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Central nervous system (CNS) anomalies are the second most frequent category of congenital anomalies after congenital heart defects (CHDs). In this study, the aim was to investigate the distribution of different CNS anomalies with associated anomalies and karyotype in a fetal autopsy population of terminated pregnancies over a 30-year period and to correlate the ultrasonographic diagnoses of CNS anomalies with autopsy findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study includes 420 intact fetuses with CNS anomalies terminated at gestational ages 11+ 0 to 33+ 6 over a 30-year period from 1985 to 2014. An ultrasound (US) examination was performed at the National Centre for Fetal Medicine, St. Olavs Hospital, Trondheim. The autopsies were performed at the Department of Pathology at the same hospital or a collaborating hospital. The anomalies were subcategorized according to the classification by the World Health Organization. RESULTS Neural tube defects such as anencephaly (22.4%, 107/477) and spina bifida (22.2%, 106/477) constituted the most common CNS anomalies, followed by congenital hydrocephalus (17.8%, 85/477). In total, the karyotype was abnormal in 21.0% of all termination of pregnancies (TOPs), with trisomy 18 as the most frequent abnormal karyotype. CHDs, skeletal anomalies, and urinary anomalies were the most common associated organ anomalies. Throughout the study period, there was full agreement between US and postmortem findings of CNS anomalies in 96.9% (407/420) of TOPs. CONCLUSION In this study of autopsy findings of CNS anomalies in intact fetuses terminated after prenatal US diagnosis, neural tube defects were most common. About half of the fetuses had isolated serious CNS anomalies, while the other half were CNS anomalies associated with structural and/or chromosomal anomalies. The prenatal US diagnoses were in good concordance with autopsy findings. In particular, due to challenges of diagnoses made early in pregnancy, it is necessary to continue the validation practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilla Struksnæs
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Harm-Gerd Karl Blaas
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway.,National Center for Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Olavs Hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Christina Vogt
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway.,Department of Pathology, St. Olavs Hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
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8
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Goergen SK, Alibrahim E, Govender N, Stanislavsky A, Abel C, Prystupa S, Collett J, Shelmerdine SC, Arthurs OJ. Diagnostic assessment of foetal brain malformations with intra-uterine MRI versus perinatal post-mortem MRI. Neuroradiology 2019; 61:921-934. [PMID: 31076826 PMCID: PMC6620257 DOI: 10.1007/s00234-019-02218-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2019] [Accepted: 04/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate differences in diagnostic yield of intra-uterine foetal (iuMR) and post-mortem MRI (PMMR) for complex brain malformations, using autopsy as the reference standard. METHODS In this retrospective, multicentre study spanning 2 years, we reviewed 13 terminated singleton pregnancies with a prenatal ultrasound finding of complex foetal cerebral abnormalities, referred for both iuMR and PMMR. The iuMR and PMMR studies of the brain were reported independently by two groups of radiologists, blinded to each other's reports. Descriptive statistics were used to compare differences in intracranial abnormalities with autopsy (and genetic testing, where present) as reference standard. RESULTS The median gestational age at termination was 24.6 weeks (IQR 22-29) with median time between delivery and PMMR of 133 h (IQR 101-165). There was full concordance between iuMR and PMMR findings and autopsy in 2/13 (15.3%) cases. Partial concordance between both imaging modalities was present in 6/13 (46.2%) and total discordance in the remainder (5/13, 38.5%). When compared to autopsy, PMMR missed important key findings specifically for neuronal migration and cerebellar anomalies, whereas iuMR appeared to overcall CSF space abnormalities which were less crucial to reaching the final overall diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS iuMR should be performed to improve foetal phenotyping where there is a prenatal ultrasound for complex foetal brain abnormalities. Reliance on PMMR alone is likely to result in misdiagnosis in a majority of cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stacy K Goergen
- Monash Imaging, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ekaterina Alibrahim
- Department of Medical Imaging, Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Nishentha Govender
- Department of Medical Imaging, Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Christian Abel
- Department of Medical Imaging, John Hunter Hospital, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, Monash Health, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Stacey Prystupa
- Department of Medical Imaging, John Hunter Hospital, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, Monash Health, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jacquelene Collett
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Susan C Shelmerdine
- Department of Radiology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, WC1N 3JH, UK.
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK.
| | - Owen J Arthurs
- Department of Radiology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, WC1N 3JH, UK
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
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Intrauterine fetal MR versus postmortem MR imaging after therapeutic termination of pregnancy: evaluation of the concordance in the detection of brain abnormalities at early gestational stage. Eur Radiol 2018; 29:2740-2750. [PMID: 30542750 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-018-5878-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2018] [Revised: 10/16/2018] [Accepted: 11/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Fetal postmortem MR Imaging (pmMRI) has been recently used as an adjuvant tool to conventional brain autopsy after termination of pregnancy (TOP). Our purpose was to compare the diagnostic performance of intrauterine MRI (iuMRI) and pmMRI in the detection of brain anomalies in fetuses at early gestational age (GA). MATERIAL AND METHODS We retrospectively collected 53 fetuses who had undergone iuMRI and pmMRI for suspected brain anomalies. Two pediatric neuroradiologists reviewed iuMRI and pmMRI examinations separately and then together. We used Cohen's K to assess the agreement between pmMRI and iuMRI. Using the combined evaluation iuMRI+pMRI as the reference standard, we calculated the "correctness ratio." We used Somers' D to assess the cograduation between postmortem image quality and time elapsed after fetus expulsion. RESULTS Our data showed high agreement between iuMRI and pmMRI considering all the categories together, for both observers (K1 0.84; K2 0.86). The correctness ratio of iuMRI and pmMRI was 79% and 45% respectively. The major disagreements between iuMRI and pmMRI were related to postmortem changes as the collapse of liquoral structures and distorting phenomena. We also found a significant cograduation between the time elapsed from expulsion and pmMRI contrast resolution and distortive phenomena (both p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrates an overall high concordance between iuMRI and pmMRI in detecting fetal brain abnormalities at early GA. Nevertheless, for the correct interpretation of pmMRI, the revision of fetal examination seems to be crucial, in particular when time elapsed from expulsion is longer than 24 h. KEY POINTS • IuMRI and pmMRI showed overall high concordance in detecting fetal brain abnormalities at early GA. • PmMRI corroborated the antemortem diagnosis and it could be a valid alternative to conventional brain autopsy, only when the latter cannot be performed. • Some caution should be taken in interpreting pmMR images when performed after 24 h from fetal death.
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10
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Votino C, Cos Sanchez T, Bessieres B, Segers V, Kadhim H, Razavi F, Condorelli M, Votino R, D'Ambrosio V, Jani J. Minimally invasive fetal autopsy using ultrasound: a feasibility study. ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2018; 52:776-783. [PMID: 25130705 DOI: 10.1002/uog.14642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2014] [Revised: 06/18/2014] [Accepted: 07/22/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate postmortem ultrasound (PM-US) for minimally invasive autopsy, and to demonstrate its feasibility, sensitivity and specificity, as compared with conventional autopsy, in detecting major congenital abnormalities. METHODS Over a 19-month study period from 1 March 2012 to 30 September 2013, we recruited from a referral hospital 88 consecutive fetuses, at 11-40 weeks' gestation, which had undergone termination, miscarriage or intrauterine fetal death. We performed PM-US using different transducers and compared the data with those from conventional autopsy. The latter was performed, according to the Societé Francaise de Foetopathologie (France) guidelines, by experienced perinatal pathologists who were blinded to the ultrasound data. RESULTS Complete virtual autopsy by ultrasound was possible in 95.5% of the cases. The sensitivity of PM-US for detecting brain abnormalities was 90.9% (95% CI, 58.7-99.8%) and the specificity was 87.3% (95% CI, 75.5-94.7%). In 20% of cases, a neuropathological examination was not possible due to severe maceration. The sensitivity for detection of thoracic abnormalities was 88.9% (95% CI, 65.3-98.6%) and the specificity was 92.8% (95% CI, 84.1-97.6%), and the sensitivity for detection of abdominal anomalies was 85.7% (95% CI, 57.2-98.2%) and the specificity was 94.6% (95% CI, 86.7-98.5%). CONCLUSION This pilot study confirms the feasibility of PM-US for virtual autopsy as early as 11 weeks' gestation. This new technique shows high sensitivity and specificity in detecting congenital structural abnormalities as compared with conventional autopsy. Copyright © 2014 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Votino
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital Brugmann, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - T Cos Sanchez
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital Brugmann, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - B Bessieres
- Department of Feto-Pathology, University Hospital Brugmann, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
- Départment de Génétique Histologie-Embryologie-Cytogénétique, Hopital Necker-Enfant Malade, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - V Segers
- Department of Feto-Pathology, University Hospital Brugmann, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - H Kadhim
- Department of Neuropathology, University Hospital Brugmann, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - F Razavi
- Départment de Génétique Histologie-Embryologie-Cytogénétique, Hopital Necker-Enfant Malade, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - M Condorelli
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital Brugmann, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - R Votino
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital Brugmann, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - V D'Ambrosio
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital Brugmann, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - J Jani
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital Brugmann, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
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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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A systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the contribution of mr imaging to the diagnosis of foetal brain abnormalities In Utero. Eur Radiol 2016; 27:2367-2380. [PMID: 27655301 PMCID: PMC5408056 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-016-4563-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2016] [Revised: 07/14/2016] [Accepted: 08/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Objectives This systematic review was undertaken to define the diagnostic performance of in utero MR (iuMR) imaging when attempting to confirm, exclude or provide additional information compared with the information provided by prenatal ultrasound scans (USS) when there is a suspicion of foetal brain abnormality. Methods Electronic databases were searched as well as relevant journals and conference proceedings. Reference lists of applicable studies were also explored. Data extraction was conducted by two reviewers independently to identify relevant studies for inclusion in the review. Inclusion criteria were original research that reported the findings of prenatal USS and iuMR imaging and findings in terms of accuracy as judged by an outcome reference diagnosis for foetal brain abnormalities. Results 34 studies met the inclusion criteria which allowed diagnostic accuracy to be calculated in 959 cases, all of which had an outcome reference diagnosis determined by postnatal imaging, surgery or autopsy. iuMR imaging gave the correct diagnosis in 91 % which was an increase of 16 % above that achieved by USS alone. Conclusion iuMR imaging makes a significant contribution to the diagnosis of foetal brain abnormalities, increasing the diagnostic accuracy achievable by USS alone. Key points • Ultrasound is the primary modality for monitoring foetal brain development during pregnancy • iuMRI used together with ultrasound is more accurate for detecting foetal brain abnormalities • iuMR imaging is most helpful for detecting midline brain abnormalities • The moderate heterogeneity of reviewed studies may compromise findings
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Arthurs OJ, Thayyil S, Pauliah SS, Jacques TS, Chong WK, Gunny R, Saunders D, Addison S, Lally P, Cady E, Jones R, Norman W, Scott R, Robertson NJ, Wade A, Chitty L, Taylor AM, Sebire NJ. Diagnostic accuracy and limitations of post-mortem MRI for neurological abnormalities in fetuses and children. Clin Radiol 2015; 70:872-80. [PMID: 26050535 DOI: 10.1016/j.crad.2015.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2015] [Revised: 03/04/2015] [Accepted: 04/13/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
AIM To compare the diagnostic accuracy of non-invasive cerebral post-mortem magnetic resonance imaging (PMMRI) specifically for cerebral and neurological abnormalities in a series of fetuses and children, compared to conventional autopsy. MATERIALS AND METHODS Institutional ethics approval and parental consent was obtained. Pre-autopsy cerebral PMMRI was performed in a sequential prospective cohort (n = 400) of fetuses (n = 277; 185 ≤ 24 weeks and 92 > 24 weeks gestation) and children <16 years (n = 123) of age. PMMRI and conventional autopsy findings were reported blinded and independently of each other. RESULTS Cerebral PMMRI had sensitivities and specificities (95% confidence interval) of 88.4% (75.5 to 94.9), and 95.2% (92.1 to 97.1), respectively, for cerebral malformations; 100% (83.9 to 100), and 99.1% (97.2 to 99.7) for major intracranial bleeds; and 87.5% (80.1 to 92.4) and 74.1% (68 to 79.4) for overall brain pathology. Formal neuropathological examination was non-diagnostic due to maceration/autolysis in 43/277 (16%) fetuses; of these, cerebral PMMRI imaging provided clinically important information in 23 (53%). The sensitivity of PMMRI for detecting significant ante-mortem ischaemic injury was only 68% (48.4 to 82.8) overall. CONCLUSIONS PMMRI is an accurate investigational technique for identifying significant neuropathology in fetuses and children, and may provide important information even in cases where autolysis prevents formal neuropathological examination; however, PMMRI is less sensitive at detecting hypoxic-ischaemic brain injury, and may not detect rarer disorders not encountered in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- O J Arthurs
- Paediatric Radiology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, WC1N 3JH, UK; UCL Institute of Child Health, London, UK.
| | - S Thayyil
- Perinatal Neurology and Neonatology, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - S S Pauliah
- Perinatal Neurology and Neonatology, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - T S Jacques
- Department of Histopathology, UCL Institute of Child Health & Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK
| | - W K Chong
- Paediatric Radiology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, WC1N 3JH, UK; UCL Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - R Gunny
- Paediatric Radiology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, WC1N 3JH, UK; UCL Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - D Saunders
- Paediatric Radiology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, WC1N 3JH, UK; UCL Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - S Addison
- Perinatal Neurology and Neonatology, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - P Lally
- Perinatal Neurology and Neonatology, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - E Cady
- Medical Physics and Bioengineering, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - R Jones
- Centre for Cardiovascular Imaging, UCL Institute of Cardiovascular Science, London, UK; Cardiorespiratory Division, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - W Norman
- Centre for Cardiovascular Imaging, UCL Institute of Cardiovascular Science, London, UK; Cardiorespiratory Division, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - R Scott
- Department of Histopathology, University College London Hospital NHS Trust, UK
| | - N J Robertson
- Academic Neonatology, UCL Institute for Women's Health, London, UK
| | - A Wade
- Paediatric Epidemiology and Biostatistics Unit, UCL Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - L Chitty
- Genetics and Genomic Medicine, UCL Institute of Child Health, London, UK; Clinical Genetics, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK; UCLH NHS Foundation Trusts, London, UK
| | - A M Taylor
- Centre for Cardiovascular Imaging, UCL Institute of Cardiovascular Science, London, UK; Cardiorespiratory Division, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - N J Sebire
- UCL Institute of Child Health, London, UK; Department of Histopathology, UCL Institute of Child Health & Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK
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Thayyil S, Sebire NJ, Chitty LS, Wade A, Chong W, Olsen O, Gunny RS, Offiah AC, Owens CM, Saunders DE, Scott RJ, Jones R, Norman W, Addison S, Bainbridge A, Cady EB, Vita ED, Robertson NJ, Taylor AM. Post-mortem MRI versus conventional autopsy in fetuses and children: a prospective validation study. Lancet 2013; 382:223-33. [PMID: 23683720 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(13)60134-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 199] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Post-mortem MRI is a potential diagnostic alternative to conventional autopsy, but few large prospective studies have compared its accuracy with that of conventional autopsy. We assessed the accuracy of whole-body, post-mortem MRI for detection of major pathological lesions associated with death in a prospective cohort of fetuses and children. METHODS In this prospective validation study, we did pre-autopsy, post-mortem, whole-body MRI at 1·5 T in an unselected population of fetuses (≤24 weeks' or >24 weeks' gestation) and children (aged <16 years) at two UK centres in London between March 1, 2007 and Sept 30, 2011. With conventional autopsy as the diagnostic gold standard, we assessed MRI findings alone, or in conjunction with other minimally invasive post-mortem investigations (minimally invasive autopsy), for accuracy in detection of cause of death or major pathological abnormalities. A radiologist and pathologist who were masked to the autopsy findings indicated whether the minimally invasive autopsy would have been adequate. The primary outcome was concordance rate between minimally invasive and conventional autopsy. FINDINGS We analysed 400 cases, of which 277 (69%) were fetuses and 123 (31%) were children. Cause of death or major pathological lesion detected by minimally invasive autopsy was concordant with conventional autopsy in 357 (89·3%, 95% CI 85·8-91·9) cases: 175 (94·6%, 90·3-97·0) of 185 fetuses at 24 weeks' gestation or less, 88 (95·7%, 89·3-98·3) of 92 fetuses at more than 24 weeks' gestation, 34 (81·0%, 66·7-90·0) [corrected] of 42 newborns aged 1 month or younger, 45 (84·9%, 72·9-92·1) of 53 infants aged older than 1 month to 1 year or younger, and 15 (53·6%, 35·8-70·5) of 28 children aged older than 1 year to 16 years or younger. The dedicated radiologist or pathologist review of the minimally invasive autopsy showed that in 165 (41%) cases a full autopsy might not have been needed; in these cases, concordance between autopsy and minimally invasive autopsy was 99·4% (96·6-99·9). INTERPRETATION Minimally invasive autopsy has accuracy similar to that of conventional autopsy for detection of cause of death or major pathological abnormality after death in fetuses, newborns, and infants, but was less accurate in older children. If undertaken jointly by pathologists and radiologists, minimally invasive autopsy could be an acceptable alternative to conventional autopsy in selected cases. FUNDING Policy research Programme, Department of Health, UK.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sudhin Thayyil
- Centre for Cardiovascular Imaging, Institute of Cardiovascular Science, University College London (UCL), London, UK.
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15
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Thayyil S, De Vita E, Sebire NJ, Bainbridge A, Thomas D, Gunny R, Chong K, Lythgoe MF, Golay X, Robertson NJ, Cady EB, Taylor AM. Post-mortem cerebral magnetic resonance imaging T1 and T2 in fetuses, newborns and infants. Eur J Radiol 2011; 81:e232-8. [PMID: 21349673 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2011.01.105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2010] [Revised: 01/18/2011] [Accepted: 01/28/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Post-mortem magnetic resonance imaging (PM MRI) of brain is increasingly used in clinical practice; understanding of normal PM contrast to noise ratio (CNR), T1 and T2 values relaxation times is important for optimisation and accurate interpretation of PM MRI. METHODS We obtained T1- and T2-weighted images at 1.5 T. In the first phase of the study, we calculated CNR in twelve brain regions in 5 newborn infants after death and compared this with CNR from 5 infants during life. In the second phase, we measured deep grey matter (GM) and white matter (WM) T1 post-mortem in 18 fetuses and T1 and T2 post-mortem 6 infants prior to autopsy. RESULTS Phase I: post-mortem T1- and T2-weighted CNRs were lower in most brain regions than during life. Phase II: compared with in vivo, all post-mortem images lacked GM-WM contrast and had high T2-weighted WM signal intensity. Mean (SD) post-mortem T1 in white and deep gray matter were respectively 1898 (327)ms and 1514 (202)ms in fetuses (p>0.05) and 1234 (180)ms and 1016 (161)ms in infants and newborns (p>0.05). Mean (SD) post-mortem T2 was 283 (11)ms in WM and 182 (18)ms in deep GM in infants and newborns (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS Post-mortem T1 and T2 values are higher than those reported from live cases. The difference between T1 values in GM and WM reduce after death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sudhin Thayyil
- UCL Institute for Women's Health, 86-96 Chenies Mews, London, United Kingdom.
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Abstract
Fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has become established as part of clinical practice in many centres worldwide especially when visualization of the central nervous system pathology is required. In this review we summarize the recent literature and provide an overview of fetal development and the commonly encountered fetal pathologies visualized with MRI and illustrated with numerous MR images. We aim to convey the role of fetal MRI in clinical practice and its value as an additional investigation alongside ultrasound yet emphasize the need for caution when interpreting fetal MR images especially where experience is limited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roobin P Jokhi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Jessop Wing, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield, UK
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Antonsson P, Sundberg A, Kublickas M, Pilo C, Ghazi S, Westgren M, Papadogiannakis N. Correlation between ultrasound and autopsy findings after 2nd trimester terminations of pregnancy. J Perinat Med 2008; 36:59-69. [PMID: 18184098 DOI: 10.1515/jpm.2008.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare ultrasound (US) and fetal autopsy findings in 2(nd) trimester termination of pregnancy because of structural fetal anomalies. METHODS A total of 112 terminations of pregnancy (TOP) between 1999-2003 were reviewed retrospectively. The cases originated from a secondary and a tertiary Fetal Medicine unit in the south Stockholm area, using a common specialized perinatal pathology service. Karyotype was not known at the time of US examination. The findings were compared and classified into four groups according to the degree of agreement between US and autopsy. RESULTS In 45% of cases there was total agreement between US and autopsy. In 40%, autopsy confirmed all US findings but provided additional information of clinical importance. Partial or total lack of agreement was noted in 11% and 4% of the cases, respectively. Areas of discrepancy involved mainly CNS- and cardiovascular abnormalities and, to a lesser extent, renal anomalies, abdominal wall defects and hydrops/hygroma. Regarding CNS abnormalities the overall rate of agreement was 62%; it was highest in acrania/anencephaly (92%) and lowest in hydrocephaly (39%). CONCLUSION We find an overall high degree of agreement between US and autopsy findings. Autopsy often provided additional information of clinical value and it should always follow US examination and TOP. Fixation of CNS is crucial for optimal results. Specific limitations of autopsy, i.e., detection of CNS abnormalities, may be reduced by complementary imaging techniques, such as MRI. The ability of US to detect cardiac anomalies is enhanced with the close contact to specialized fetal cardiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Per Antonsson
- Center for Perinatal Pathology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
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Fagan AJ, Mullin JM, Gallagher L, Hadley DM, Macrae IM, Condon B. Serial postmortem relaxometry in the normal rat brain and following stroke. J Magn Reson Imaging 2008; 27:469-75. [DOI: 10.1002/jmri.21246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
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Abstract
The fetal autopsy involves a series of investigations of the corpse, most of which are noninvasive and acceptable to the majority of parents and their physicians. The value of the perinatal autopsy is manyfold and well established, and the results can provide a basis for parental and family counseling, inform future obstetric management, and provide audit for prenatal care. Many techniques originally developed for diagnosis, such as histology, biochemical tests, photography, x-rays, and cytogenetic karyotyping, have become standard tools in perinatal autopsies. However, there has been an inexorable decline in the autopsy consent rate over the last 30 years due to social and cultural factors, and perhaps ignorance of the benefits to be derived from the examination. Growing evidence suggests that postmortem fetal MRI can assist the pathologist at autopsy, and in many cases can obviate the need for dissection or at least minimize and focus it. For the majority of cases in which no consent for surgical autopsy is given, MRI together with other noninvasive postmortem tests can provide a great deal of the information that was previously available only from autopsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jocelyn S Brookes
- Department of Imaging, University College Hospitals NHS Trust London, London, United Kingdom.
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20
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Sebire NJ. Towards the minimally invasive autopsy? ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2006; 28:865-7. [PMID: 17121416 DOI: 10.1002/uog.3869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
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Cannie M, Jani J, Dymarkowski S, Deprest J. Fetal magnetic resonance imaging: luxury or necessity? ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2006; 27:471-6. [PMID: 16619388 DOI: 10.1002/uog.2776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
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Whitby EH, Paley MNJ, Cohen M, Griffiths PD. Post-mortem fetal MRI: what do we learn from it? Eur J Radiol 2006; 57:250-5. [PMID: 16413985 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2005.11.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2005] [Revised: 11/14/2005] [Accepted: 11/16/2005] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Post-mortem magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is of increasing interest not only as an alternative to autopsy but as a research tool to aid the interpretation and diagnosis of in utero MR images. The information from the post-mortem MR has allowed the development of imaging sequences applicable to in utero imaging and neonatal imaging. It has established brain development during gestation and has provided data on this to which in utero MR can be compared. The detail available from the post-mortem images is such that brain development can be studied in a non-invasive manner, a permanent record on the normal and abnormal areas is available and a greater understanding of developmental abnormalities is possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- E H Whitby
- Section of Academic Radiology, University of Sheffield, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Glossop Road, Sheffield S10 2JF, UK.
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Vasudevan PC, Cohen MC, Whitby EH, Anumba DOC, Quarrell OWJ. The OEIS complex: two case reports that illustrate the spectrum of abnormalities and a review of the literature. Prenat Diagn 2006; 26:267-72. [PMID: 16450352 DOI: 10.1002/pd.1394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
We present two cases of OEIS (omphalocele, exstrophy, imperforate anus, spinal defects) complex -MIM 258040 and a review of the literature. Case 1 was a 14-year-old girl who presented at 30 weeks' gestation. An ultrasound examination showed an omphalocele and spina bifida; the bladder was not visualised. She went into spontaneous labour two weeks later and the baby died shortly after birth. A full post-mortem examination was refused, but the mother did agree to an external examination, skin biopsy for fibroblast culture, X rays and MR imaging. The MR imaging showed a pelvic kidney, a large omphalocele containing the other kidney, liver, bowel and a fluid filled structure thought to represent an exstrophy of the bladder (EB). Case 2 was a 30-year-old woman who had an ultrasound examination at 20 weeks' gestation; this showed an omphalocele, but the bladder was not visualised. The pregnancy was subsequently terminated and a post-mortem examination showed a low set umbilical cord associated with a small omphalocele; there was an imperforate anus; a blind ending rectum terminated in the omphalocele. We conclude that these two cases illustrate the variability of the OEIS complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pradeep C Vasudevan
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Sheffield Children's Hospital, Sheffield, UK.
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Whitby EH, Paley MN, Cohen M, Griffiths PD. Postmortem MR imaging of the fetus: an adjunct or a replacement for conventional autopsy? Semin Fetal Neonatal Med 2005; 10:475-83. [PMID: 15985391 DOI: 10.1016/j.siny.2005.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Fetal and perinatal autopsy provides essential diagnostic information not only for parents but also for medical audit and clinical trials. The autopsy rate is decreasing throughout the world for numerous reasons. Medical imaging has always been part of the autopsy process, but in the last decade there has been increased interest in imaging as additional to or a replacement for autopsy. This is especially so with the wider availability of magnetic resonance (MR) scanners that are able to provide detailed anatomy of all body structures as well as having the potential to provide information about histopathological patterns of injury. Postmortem MR imaging (MRI) provides similar information to autopsy for gross pathology of most organ systems. It often provides more information in cases of central nervous system abnormalities, but is less accurate for cardiac abnormalities. Targeted, image-guided biopsy may allow histological diagnosis following postmortem MRI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elspeth H Whitby
- Academic Unit of Radiology, University of Sheffield, MRI Department Floor C, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, UK.
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Current awareness in prenatal diagnosis. Prenat Diagn 2005; 25:529-34. [PMID: 16032805 DOI: 10.1002/pd.1020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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