Fetal brain MRI findings and neonatal outcome of common diagnosis at a tertiary care center

Abstract

Fetal Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is increasingly used in prenatal evaluations.

Objective: Identify common brain malformations on fetal MRI and evaluate perinatal course.

Methods: Fetal consultations from 10/2016 to 12/2017 reviewed.

Results: Hundred consultations were requested; 94 were completed. Findings included: posterior fossa malformations (19%), agenesis/dysgenesis of corpus callosum (15%), congenital aqueductal stenosis (CAS) (14%), ventriculomegaly (11%), isolated cortical malformations (8.5%), and holoprosencephaly (6%). Posterior fossa malformations were more likely to be associated with genetic conditions and cardiac malformations. Patients with CAS all required intensive care unit admission. Overall, few patients with congenital brain malformations required feeding or respiratory support at discharge. None had seizures as neonates except two with early epileptic encephalopathy syndromes.

Conclusions: Even though long term neurological prognosis is poor for many conditions including high lifetime risk of epilepsy, most are discharged with no feeding or respiratory support. Seizures are rarely seen in the neonatal period.