A Magnetic Resonance Template for Normal Neuronal Migration in the Fetus

Abstract

Images obtained by use of MRI with standard clinical pulse sequences can document the appearance and the temporal patterns of neuronal migration in postmortem fetal specimens. With the evolution of high-resolution MRI and faster scanning techniques, these findings may serve as a template for the in utero MRI appearance of neuronal migration and thereby compliment the antenatal ultrasonic investigation of congenital anomalies.

Alteration of Human Fetal Subplate Layer and Intermediate Zone During Normal Development on MR and Diffusion Tensor Imaging

“…The marginal zone cannot be visualized on MR imaging as a separate layer from the cortex. The laminar organization of the postmortem fetal brain has been described on T1-weighted images 1,2 but not on T2-weighted images. Because antenatal fetal MR imaging relies predominantly on T2-weighted imaging for assessment, it is essential to understand the laminar organization of the fetal cerebrum on T2.…”

Corroboration of Normal and Abnormal Fetal Cerebral Lamination on Postmortem MR Imaging with Postmortem Examination

“…[3][4][5] Recently, we assessed the alteration in the signal intensity of the subplate layer and intermediate zone in fetuses from 18 to 25 weeks and found decreasing T1 signal intensity and increasing T2 signal intensity of the intermediate zone from approximately 22 weeks, which correlated with reduced cellularity, an increase in the thickness of deep projecting fibers, and an increase in acid mucopolysaccharide on histology. 9 In the subplate layer, there was increasing T1 signal intensity from 20 to 23 weeks and no alteration in the T2 signal intensity, which remained persistently high from 18 to 25 weeks.…”

“…Laminar organization of the normal fetal brain has been described on T1-weighted imaging on postmortem MR imaging, which correlated with histologic findings. [3][4][5] Abnormal laminar organization of the fetal cerebrum has previously been reported on postmortem T1-and T2-weighted MR imaging in a 28-week fetus with cobblestone complex. 6 The findings on postmortem MR imaging corresponded with histology at postmortem examination.…”

Fetal magnetic resonance imaging of the brain: technical considerations and normal brain development

“…Spoiler gradients are applied to reduce residual transverse magnetisation; residual T2-weighting [21,24,25]. In contrast to HASTE sequences, all slices are measured simultaneously over the entire duration of the acquisition.…”