Findings and differential diagnosis of fetal intracranial haemorrhage and fetal ischaemic brain injury: what is the role of fetal MRI?

Br J Radiol. 2017 Feb;90(1070):20160253. doi: 10.1259/bjr.20160253. Epub 2016 Dec 8.

Abstract

Ventriculomegaly (VM) is a non-specific finding on fetal imaging. Identification of the specific aetiology is important, as it affects prognosis and may even change the course of current or future pregnancies. In this review, we will focus on the application of fetal MRI to demonstrate intracranial haemorrhage and ischaemic brain injury as opposed to other causes of VM. MRI is able to identify the specific aetiology of VM with much more sensitivity and specificity than ultrasound and should be considered whenever VM is identified on obstetric ultrasound. Advances in both fetal and neonatal MRI have the potential to shed further light on mechanisms of brain injury and the impact of chronic hypoxia; such information may guide future interventions.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Brain Injuries / diagnostic imaging*
  • Brain Injuries / embryology
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Fetal Diseases / diet therapy*
  • Humans
  • Intracranial Hemorrhages / diet therapy*
  • Intracranial Hemorrhages / embryology
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
  • Pregnancy
  • Prenatal Diagnosis / methods*
  • Sensitivity and Specificity