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Avesani G, Perazzolo A, Elia L, Anghelone AG, Gaudino S, Russo L, Genco E, Di Paola V, Massimi L, De Santis M, Tamburrini G, Manfredi R. Fetal MRI prior to intrauterine surgery of open neural tube defects: What does the radiologist need to know. LA RADIOLOGIA MEDICA 2023; 128:113-124. [PMID: 36525177 DOI: 10.1007/s11547-022-01579-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The management of myelomeningocele study trial showed significant prognostic improvement in fetal repair before 26 weeks of gestation. Hence, surgery in utero represents the best treatment option for open-neural tube defects (NTDs). Fetal surgery of open-NTDs has specific inclusion and exclusion criteria, which can be adequately studied with fetal MRI. The main concern: the spine (spinal defects other than Myelomeningocele and Myeloschisis, the level of the lesion higher than T1 or lower than S1 and the degree of kyphosis ≥ 30°), the skull/brain (no cerebellum herniation and Chiari II malformation and the presence of any intracranial abnormality unrelated to open NTDs), the uterus (cervix length less than 2 cm, multiple gestations and placental and uterine abnormalities) and any other fetal abnormality not attributed to spinal defect. In this review, we describe the fundamental role of fetal MRI in supporting therapeutic decisions in pre-surgery intrauterine planning through the accurate and comprehensive description of findings, providing a proposal of a structured report. In addition, we describe how post-surgical MRI is important in investigating the effectiveness of surgery and detecting repairing complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giacomo Avesani
- Dipartimento di Diagnostica per Immagini, Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, Fondazione Policlinico "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Largo Agostino Gemelli 8, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Lorenzo Elia
- Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Simona Gaudino
- Dipartimento di Diagnostica per Immagini, Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, Fondazione Policlinico "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Largo Agostino Gemelli 8, 00168, Rome, Italy.,Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Russo
- Dipartimento di Diagnostica per Immagini, Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, Fondazione Policlinico "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Largo Agostino Gemelli 8, 00168, Rome, Italy.
| | - Enza Genco
- Dipartimento di Diagnostica per Immagini, Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, Fondazione Policlinico "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Largo Agostino Gemelli 8, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Valerio Di Paola
- Dipartimento di Diagnostica per Immagini, Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, Fondazione Policlinico "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Largo Agostino Gemelli 8, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Massimi
- Dipartimento di Scienze dell'invecchiamento, Neurologiche, Ortopediche e della Testa-Collo, Fondazione Policlinico "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco De Santis
- Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy.,Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute della Donna, del Bambino e di Sanità Pubblica, Fondazione Policlinico "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Gianpiero Tamburrini
- Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy.,Dipartimento di Scienze dell'invecchiamento, Neurologiche, Ortopediche e della Testa-Collo, Fondazione Policlinico "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Riccardo Manfredi
- Dipartimento di Diagnostica per Immagini, Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, Fondazione Policlinico "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Largo Agostino Gemelli 8, 00168, Rome, Italy.,Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
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Nagaraj UD, Venkatesan C, Bierbrauer KS, Kline-Fath BM. Value of pre- and postnatal magnetic resonance imaging in the evaluation of congenital central nervous system anomalies. Pediatr Radiol 2022; 52:802-816. [PMID: 34232351 DOI: 10.1007/s00247-021-05137-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Fetal MRI and neonatal MRI of the central nervous system (CNS) are complementary tools that can help to accurately counsel and direct the management of children with anomalies of the central nervous system. Postnatal MRI can add to fetal MRI by allowing for monitoring of changes in the severity of disease, better delineation of a suspected prenatal anomaly, evaluation for secondary pathologies related to the primary diagnosis, and surgical management direction. In this review we discuss the roles of fetal and neonatal MRI in the diagnosis and treatment of congenital anomalies of the CNS through a series of case examples and how both are important in patient management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Usha D Nagaraj
- Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Ave., Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA. .,University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
| | - Charu Venkatesan
- University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA.,Department of Neurology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Karin S Bierbrauer
- University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA.,Department of Neurosurgery, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Beth M Kline-Fath
- Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Ave., Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA.,University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
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[Prenatal ultrasound prognostic of myelomeningocele at the era of fetal surgery]. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 49:617-629. [PMID: 34020095 DOI: 10.1016/j.gofs.2021.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Myelomeningocele (MMC) is a severe congenital condition responsible for motor and sensory impairments of the lower limbs, incontinence and cognitive impairment. Its screening, sometimes as early as the first trimester, is one of the major goals of modern prenatal care, supported by the emergence of prenatal surgery that results in a significant improvement in motor function, ambulation and ventriculoperitoneal shunt rate in patients undergoing in-utero surgery. From screening to pre- and post-operative prognostic evaluation, prenatal ultrasound is now an essential tool in the antenatal management of this condition. Using the multi planar and three-dimensional modes, it can be used to assess the vertebral level of MMC, which remains the key antenatal prognostic marker for motor function and ambulation, incontinence and the need for a ventriculo-peritoneal shunt. A careful and systematic ultrasound examination also makes it possible to assess the severity and progression of ventriculomegaly, to search for associated cerebral, spinal cord or vertebral anomalies, or to rule out exclusion criteria for in-utero surgery such as severe kyphosis or serious cortical anomalies. New tools from post-natal evaluation, such as the "metameric" ultrasound assessment of lower limb mobility, appear to be promising either for the initial examination or after in-utero surgery. Ultrasonography, associated with fetal MRI, cytogenetic and next generation sequencing, now allows a highly customized prognostic evaluation of these fetuses affected by MMC and provides the parents with the best possible information on the expected benefits and limitations of fetal surgery.
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Khalatbari H, Perez FA, Lee A, Shaw DW. Rapid Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Spine in Neonates with Spinal Dysraphism. World Neurosurg 2020; 144:e648-e659. [DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2020.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Revised: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Imaging of open spinal dysraphisms in the era of prenatal surgery. Pediatr Radiol 2020; 50:1988-1998. [PMID: 33252764 DOI: 10.1007/s00247-020-04734-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2019] [Revised: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Over the last decade fetal surgery to repair open spinal dysraphisms has become an acceptable and in some cases desirable alternative to the traditional method of postnatal closure. Fetal MRI is an essential part of the workup in these patients, not only to select the appropriate candidates for fetal surgery but also to guide prenatal counseling and perinatal management. In this article we review current surgical techniques for prenatal repair, relevant imaging findings in the era of fetal surgery, and expected imaging findings of the brain and spine in the fetal and postnatal periods.
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Spinal Dysraphia, Chiari 2 Malformation, Unified Theory, and Advances in Fetoscopic Repair. Neuroimaging Clin N Am 2019; 29:357-366. [PMID: 31256859 DOI: 10.1016/j.nic.2019.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Fetal spina bifida, the most common nonlethal birth defect of the central nervous system, results in substantial neurologic morbidity. The unified theory describes the complex relationship between local spinal lesions and development of Chiari 2 malformation, contributing to hydrocephalus. Prenatal ultrasonography reliably allows diagnosis, but fetal MR imaging is an important complement to identify additional brain abnormalities. Fetal surgery improves neurologic and motor outcomes, but various approaches, either open hysterotomy or minimally invasive to the uterus, carry substantial obstetric risks. Optimization of the fetoscopic approach aims to minimize maternal and obstetric risks, but data regarding longer-term outcomes are awaited.
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Nagaraj UD, Bierbrauer KS, Stevenson CB, Peiro JL, Lim FY, Zhang B, Kline-Fath BM. Spinal Imaging Findings of Open Spinal Dysraphisms on Fetal and Postnatal MRI. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2018; 39:1947-1952. [PMID: 30237301 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a5760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2018] [Accepted: 06/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Fetal MRI has become a valuable tool in the evaluation of open spinal dysraphisms making studies comparing prenatal and postnatal MRI findings increasingly important. Our aim was to determine the accuracy of predicting the level of the spinal dysraphic defect of open spinal dysraphisms on fetal MR imaging and to report additional findings observed when comparing fetal and postnatal MR imaging of the spine in this population. MATERIALS AND METHODS A single-center retrospective analysis was performed of fetal MRIs with open spinal dysraphisms from 2004 through 2016 with available diagnostic postnatal spine MR imaging. Images were reviewed by 2 board-certified fellowship-trained pediatric neuroradiologists. Corresponding clinical/operative reports were reviewed. RESULTS One hundred nineteen fetal MRIs of open spinal dysraphisms were included. The level of the osseous defect between fetal and postnatal MR imaging was concordant in 42.9% (51/119) of cases and was 1 level different in 39% (47/119) of cases. On postnatal MR imaging, type II split cord malformation was seen in 8.4% (10/119) of cases, with only 50% (5/10) of these cases identified prospectively on fetal MR imaging. Syrinx was noted in 3% (4/119) of prenatal studies, all cervical, all confirmed on postnatal MR imaging. CONCLUSIONS Fetal MR imaging is accurate in detecting the level of the spinal dysraphic defect, which has an impact on prenatal counseling, neurologic outcomes, and eligibility for fetal surgery. In addition, fetal MR imaging is limited in its ability to detect split cord malformations in patients with open spinal dysraphisms. Although rare, fetal MR imaging has a high specificity for detection of cervical spinal cord syrinx.
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Affiliation(s)
- U D Nagaraj
- From the Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging (U.D.N., B.Z., B.M.K.-F.)
| | | | - C B Stevenson
- Department of Pediatric Neurosurgery (K.S.B., C.B.S.)
| | - J L Peiro
- Department of Pediatric Surgery (J.L.P., F.Y.L.)
| | - F Y Lim
- Department of Pediatric Surgery (J.L.P., F.Y.L.)
| | - B Zhang
- From the Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging (U.D.N., B.Z., B.M.K.-F.)
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology (B.Z.),University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center; Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - B M Kline-Fath
- From the Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging (U.D.N., B.Z., B.M.K.-F.)
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Abstract
Intrauterine surgery shows that the prognosis of neonates with myelomeningocele (MMC) has improved, both in survival and in quality of life. In order to study the current efficacy of intrauterine surgery for MMC and to make an ethical analysis of its proportionality, we conducted a PubMed search using the keywords "myelomeningocele", "intrauterine surgery", "MOMS", and "trial". Thirty-eight articles were found. The literature investigated the risks and benefits of intrauterine surgery based on the physiological parameters of MMC. Intrauterine surgery produces clear benefits. However, it also has disadvantages, such as premature birth, fetal or neonatal death, and uterine complications. The option of surgery is positive. However, since the intervention is risky, the final decision must be prudential, and thus should involve an ethical analysis of therapeutic proportionality. This requires a specific clinical evaluation of the fetus ensuring fetal survival in all cases and minimizing the risks arising from extremely premature birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agustín Silberberg
- a Department of Bioethics , Hospital Universitario Austral, Universidad Austral , Buenos Aires , Argentina
| | - Josefina Robetto
- b Chair of Pathophysiology, Facultad de Ciencias Biomédicas , Universidad Austral , Buenos Aires , Argentina
| | - Magdalena Grillo
- c Medical Student, Facultad de Ciencias Biomédicas , Universidad Austral , Buenos Aires , Argentina
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Egloff A, Bulas D. Magnetic Resonance Imaging Evaluation of Fetal Neural Tube Defects. Semin Ultrasound CT MR 2015; 36:487-500. [DOI: 10.1053/j.sult.2015.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Guo A, Chitayat D, Blaser S, Keating S, Shannon P. Fetal syringomyelia. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2014; 2:91. [PMID: 25092126 PMCID: PMC4167126 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-014-0091-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2014] [Accepted: 07/23/2014] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
We explored the prevalence of syringomyelia in a series of 113 cases of fetal dysraphism and hindbrain crowding, of gestational age ranging from 17.5 to 34 weeks with the vast majority less than 26 weeks gestational age. We found syringomyelia in 13 cases of Chiari II malformations, 5 cases of Omphalocele/Exostrophy/Imperforate anus/Spinal abnormality (OEIS), 2 cases of Meckel Gruber syndrome and in a single pair of pyopagus conjoined twins. Secondary injury was not uncommon, with vernicomyelia in Chiari malformations, infarct like histology, or old hemorrhage in 8 cases of syringomyelia. Vernicomyelia did not occur in the absence of syrinx formation. The syringes extended from the sites of dysraphism, in ascending or descending patterns. The syringes were usually in a major proportion anatomically distinct from a dilated or denuded central canal and tended to be dorsal and paramedian or median. We suggest that fetal syringomyelia in Chiari II malformation and other dysraphic states is often established prior to midgestation, has contributions from the primary malformation as well as from secondary in utero injury and is anatomically and pathophysiologically distinct from post natal syringomyelia secondary to hindbrain crowding.
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