Fetal Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in Holoprosencephaly and Associations With Clinical Outcome: Implications for Fetal Counseling

Abstract

Holoprosencephaly is the most common malformation of forebrain development and includes a wide spectrum of severity. The objective of this retrospective study was to evaluate fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) associations with outcome. Of the 63 cases identified on antenatal ultrasonography, 28 cases were confirmed on fetal MRI. There were 17 live births; 9 patients died within the first month of life. There were 7 survivors. The vast majority were nonambulatory and required feeding support; none required respiratory support. We found that presence and number of non-holoprosencephaly-associated malformations was also associated with survival. Of 5 patients with 3 or more systemic anomalies, 4 died regardless of holoprosencephaly subtype and 1 was lost to follow-up. Patients with suspected holoprosencephaly on ultrasonography should have full body fetal MRI and echocardiogram to better evaluate systemic anomalies. Counseling should involve pediatric palliative care services to prepare families in caring for babies with limited life span.

Keywords: antenatal MRI; fetal counseling; holoprosencephaly.