Resonancia magnetica en el diagnostico prenatal de malformaciones congenitas

Abstract

Abstract Background: Ultrasonography is accepted as the primary imaging modality for fetal assessment. On occasions, ultrasound findings are inconclusive or insufficient being magnetic resonance MR useful providing excellent resolution for imaging fetal anatomy and pathologic conditions. Purpose: To determinate the value of magnetic resonance in the evaluation of fetal pathology. Materials and methods: Magnetic resonance imaging was performed in our institution in 26 pregnant women with suspected fetal anomalies on the basis of ultrasonographic findings including 15 central nervous system anomalies, 1 lung mass, 1 diaphragmatic hernia, 5 renal anomalies, 2 pelvic masses, 1 neural tube defect and 1 conjoined twins. Results: In our experience, magnetic resonance provided additional information in 6 of 26 patients (23,07%) and directly affected treatment and prognosis in 3 of them (11,53%); in 2 cases (7,6%) MR missed sonographic findings. Conclusion: Sonography still remains the modality of choice for routine antenatal imaging still in our days the fist used method in the study of fetal malformations. Marked improvements in ultrafast sequences with reduced motion artefact in the last few years allow fetal evaluation with magnetic resonance. There are conditions in which sonography are of limited value, in such cases magnetic resonance plays a major role providing additional information and may affect management.