Usefulness of additional fetal magnetic resonance imaging in the prenatal diagnosis of congenital abnormalities

Prenatal ultrasound for the diagnosis of the cerebellar abnormalities: a meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

Fetal cerebellar abnormalities are associated with neurodevelopmental disorders and structural brain malformations. Accurate and early diagnosis is crucial for prenatal counseling and planning postnatal interventions. While prenatal ultrasound is a key tool for detecting fetal brain abnormalities, variations in diagnostic accuracy across studies necessitate a systematic evaluation of its effectiveness in diagnosing cerebellar abnormalities.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was conducted across major databases to identify relevant studies on prenatal ultrasound for diagnosing cerebellar anomalies. Inclusion criteria included studies with clear diagnostic outcomes, diverse patient populations, and standardized ultrasound protocols. Meta-analytic techniques were employed to assess overall diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and heterogeneity using Meta Disk. The quality of the included studies was evaluated using the QUADAS-2 tool.

RESULTS

The meta-analysis included fifteen studies involving 1,902 fetuses with suspected cerebellar abnormalities. The pooled sensitivity and specificity of prenatal ultrasound were 0.83 (95% CI: 0.80-0.86) and 0.97 (95% CI: 0.96-0.98), respectively. The positive likelihood ratio was 7.96 (95% CI: 3.23-19.64), the negative likelihood ratio was 0.18 (95% CI: 0.09-0.36), and the odds ratio was 46.76 (95% CI: 14.06-155.53). The combined area under the curve (AUC) reached 0.93, indicating robust diagnostic performance. Heterogeneity was observed, influenced by factors such as gestational age at screening, operator expertise, and ultrasound equipment quality.

CONCLUSIONS

Prenatal ultrasound is a reliable tool for detecting cerebellar abnormalities with high sensitivity and specificity. However, variability in diagnostic performance suggests the need for standardized protocols and advanced imaging techniques to enhance accuracy. Future research should focus on integrating multiple imaging modalities to optimize prenatal screening outcomes.

Prenatal ultrasound for the diagnosis of the agenesis of corpus callosum: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Prenatal ultrasound has been regularly used as the screening tool for agenesis of corpus callosum (ACC) of the fetuses, which were mainly suspected on the basis of indirect signs rather than the visualization of the CC. However, the diagnostic accuracy of prenatal ultrasound for ACC, compared to the gold standard of postmortem diagnosis or postnatal images, is still unknown. This meta-analysis was performed to comprehensively evaluate the efficacy of prenatal ultrasound for the diagnosis of ACC.

METHODS

Studies evaluating the diagnostic accuracy of prenatal ultrasound for ACC compared to postmortem diagnosis or postnatal images were retrieved by searching PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases. Pooled sensitivity and specificity were calculated with a random-effects model. The diagnostic accuracy was measured by summarized area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUC) curve.

RESULTS

Twelve studies involving 544 fetuses with suspected anomalies of central nervous system were included, and 143 of them were with validated diagnosis of ACC. Pooled results showed that prenatal ultrasound has satisfying diagnostic efficacy for ACC, with the pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative likelihood ratios of 0.72 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.39-0.91), 0.98 (95% CI: 0.79-1.00), 43.73 (95% CI: 3.42-558.74, and 0.29 (95% CI: 0.11-0.74), respectively. The pooled AUC was 0.94 (95% CI: 0.92-0.96), suggesting good diagnostic performance of prenatal ultrasound. Subgroup analysis according to the prenatal ultrasound procedures showed a better diagnostic efficacy of neurosonography than that of regular ultrasound screening (sensitivity: 0.84 versus 0.57, specificity: 0.98 versus 0.89, and AUC: 0.97 versus 0.78).

CONCLUSIONS

Prenatal ultrasound, particularly for the neurosonography, confers satisfying efficacy for the diagnosis of ACC.

Comparison of ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging findings in evaluation of fetal congenital anomalies: A single-institution prospective observational study

Background

This study aimed to compare the ultrasound (USG) and fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in the evaluation of congenital fetal anomalies and to determine whether the management is changes significantly if MRI is combined with USG.

Methods

In this prospective observational cohort study, we performed fetal MRI in 90 consecutive cases of fetuses diagnosed or suspected as having congenital anomalies on a prior level II USG scan. We then compared the USG and MRI findings of each anomaly according to the diagnostic information yielded by each modality.

Results

Of 90 fetuses examined during 1 year study period, MRI and USG findings were equivalent in 13.3% of cases. MRI provided additional information in 68.8% cases, of which pregnancy management was changed in 5.6% cases. MRI provided additional information but did not change management in 63.3% of cases. USG provided additional information but did not change pregnancy management in 17.8% of cases. The difference was statistically significant with a p value of .000.

Conclusion

Fetal MRI is a significantly better modality than USG for detecting additional findings in anomalies of specific organ systems. Because of its high diagnostic yield for central nervous system (CNS) anomalies, it can be combined with USG for this subgroup. For non-CNS anomalies of genitourinary system, thorax, or in syndromic/complex malformations/conjoint twin pregnancy, it may be used as an adjunct to USG on a case to case basis. MRI has the potential to change the pregnancy management in few cases, but benefit is small to advocate a complete integration of MRI and USG for fetal anomaly scanning at present.

MRI in the diagnosis of fetal developmental brain abnormalities: the MERIDIAN diagnostic accuracy study

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.

DiGeorge syndrome chromosome region deletion and duplication: Prenatal genotype-phenotype variability in fetal ultrasound and MRI

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to assess genotype-phenotype correlation of prenatally diagnosed fetal DGS and dup22q11 syndrome by fetal molecular genetic analysis, fetal ultrasound, and/or MRI.

METHODS

In this retrospective consecutive case series, pregnant women were screened for fetal anomalies during a period of 10 years. Fetal genotype was assessed in 72 cases upon the occurrence of five prenatal fetal phenotypic features: cardiac anomalies, hypo/aplastic thymus, craniofacial malformations, urinary abnormalities, or IUGR; genotype-phenotype correlation was tested to potentially improve prenatal diagnosis of fetal DGS and dup22q11 syndrome.

RESULTS

Fetal genotypes of deletions or duplications in proximal clusters of LCR22s (A-B) were associated with fetal cardiac anomalies in combination with hypo/aplastic thymus and craniofacial malformations, suggesting a correlation with deleted HIRA. TOF associated with aplastic thymus in combination with renal defects indicated a relevant correlation with TBX1 deletion. Deletions in central LCR22s (B-D) with the loss of CRKL supposed a trend of genotype-phenotype correlation with fetal urinary abnormalities.

CONCLUSION

Genotype-phenotype correlation might improve prenatal diagnosis of fetal DGS and dup22q11 syndrome. Hence, prenatal screening and counseling is highly enhanced by a combination of fetal molecular genetic analysis, fetal ultrasound, and/or MRI. The implications of these findings remain to be explored.

A systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the contribution of mr imaging to the diagnosis of foetal brain abnormalities In Utero

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

The Contribution of MRI after Fetal Anomalies Have Been Diagnosed by Ultrasound: Correlation with Postnatal Outcomes

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the additional value of fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the assessment and management of fetuses with abnormal findings on ultrasound. Methods: A total of 257 patients who had fetal MRI following the ultrasound diagnosis of a fetal anomaly, or were at high risk, were included. The patients were grouped by referral category for fetal MRI. Fetal MRI was compared to ultrasound in the detection of anomalies, i.e. whether additional findings were identified and if this changed diagnosis, prognosis and management during pregnancy. Results: Ultrasound findings were confirmed on fetal MRI in 89% of the cases. Additional findings were seen with MRI in 28% of all patients. The diagnosis changed in 21% and the prognosis in 19% of the cases. Perinatal management changed in 8%. The antenatal findings were confirmed in all cases that had a postmortem examination following termination of pregnancy. In all the pregnancies that continued to delivery and for which the postnatal outcome is known, the findings correlated in 97% of the cases. Conclusion: Fetal MRI provided additional detection of fetal anomalies, leading to a change in diagnosis and prognosis in 19% of the cases. Neonatal and postmortem findings mostly confirmed the fetal MRI diagnosis, suggesting it to be a useful tool for clinical decision making in perinatal management.

Normal mandibular growth and diagnosis of micrognathia at prenatal MRI

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this article is to present reference data for fetal mandibular growth on magnetic resonance imaging, enabling the diagnosis of micrognathia.

METHODS

Retrospectively, on 355 magnetic resonance scans of apparently facially normal fetuses [gestational age (GA), 20-36 weeks], mandibular anterior-posterior diameter (APD = mandibular size), inferior facial angle (IFA = mandibular position), and jaw index (APD normalized to biparietal diameter) were correlated with GA by Pearson correlation. APD-age relationship was modeled. A receding chin was subjectively determined. Ten fetuses with mandibular anomalies were compared with normal fetuses.

RESULTS

For GA, APD showed high correlation (r = 0.850; P < 0.001), IFA (r = 0.086; P = 0.119) no correlation, and jaw index (r = -0.139; P = 0.018) weak correlation. APD-age relationship was expressed by the following: APD = 0.281 + 0.989 * GA (r(2)  = 0.723). A receding chin was identified in 7/10 abnormal fetuses. APD, IFA, and jaw index of abnormal and normal fetuses were significantly different (P < 0.001). In 10/10 abnormal fetuses, IFA was <50.0°; in 7/10, jaw index was less than the fifth percentile (micrognathia); in 3/10, jaw index was at low normal range (retrognathia).

CONCLUSIONS

Subjective identification of micrognathia may be limited. Reference data provide quantitative evaluation of mandibular size and position. An IFA <50° reflects micrognathia or retrognathia; a jaw index less than the fifth percentile suggests micrognathia.

Role of magnetic resonance imaging in the prenatal diagnosis of gastrointestinal fetal anomalies

PURPOSE

This study was done to evaluate the role of fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the study of gastrointestinal malformations in comparison to prenatal ultrasound (US).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A prospective (2010-2012) study of 38 fetal MRI scans was performed on 38 fetuses between 24 and 38 weeks of gestation. All the fetuses had a US diagnosis of gastrointestinal anomalies. T2-weighted HASTE, T1-weighted fast gradient echo, TrueFISP and diffusion-weighted images of the fetal abdomen were obtained on a 1.5-Tesla magnet. All fetal MRI diagnoses were compared with postnatal US findings, autopsy or surgical reports.

RESULTS

Fetal MRI was able to confirm the sonographic findings in nine of 38 fetuses (23.7%), to provide additional information in 23 of 38 fetuses (60.6%), to exclude the US diagnosis in five cases (5.2%) and to change it in two cases (5.2%). It was not able to characterize a case of gastric duplication and a case of abdominal cystic lymphangioma (5.2%).

CONCLUSIONS

Fetal MRI can be used as a complementary imaging modality to US in prenatal evaluation of gastrointestinal anomalies and can be considered a valuable tool not only for confirming or excluding but also for providing additional information to fetal ultrasonographic findings.