Fetal magnetic resonance imaging of normal spinal cord: Evaluating cord visualization and conus medullaris position by T2-weigted sequences

Huang, Yen Ling; Wong, Alex Mun-Ching; Liu, Ho-Ling Anthony; Wan, Yung Liang; Lin, Yu; An, Cheolhong; Chang, Yao‐Lung

doi:10.4103/2319-4170.125649

Cited by 9 publications

(1 citation statement)

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“…3,4 Despite the heavy reliance on fetal MR imaging in the evaluation of open spinal dysraphisms and its use in the selection of candidates for fetal surgery, the scientific literature examining MR imaging of the fetal spine is limited, and there are very few studies that compare pre-and postnatal MR imaging findings. [5][6][7][8] Determining the level of the defect is a key component of the inclusion criteria for fetal surgery and provides valuable information for prognosis and prenatal counseling. 8,9 Our aim was to determine the accuracy of predicting the upper level of the spinal dysraphic defect of open spinal dysraphisms on fetal MR imaging and to report additional findings observed when comparing fetal and postnatal MR imaging of the spine.…”

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confidence: 99%

Spinal Imaging Findings of Open Spinal Dysraphisms on Fetal and Postnatal MRI

Nagaraj¹,

Bierbrauer²,

Stevenson³

et al. 2018

AJNR Am J Neuroradiol

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BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Fetal MRI has become a valuable tool in the evaluation of open spinal dysraphisms making studies comparing prenatal and postnatal MRI findings increasingly important. Our aim was to determine the accuracy of predicting the level of the spinal dysraphic defect of open spinal dysraphisms on fetal MR imaging and to report additional findings observed when comparing fetal and postnatal MR imaging of the spine in this population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A single-center retrospective analysis was performed of fetal MRIs with open spinal dysraphisms from 2004 through 2016 with available diagnostic postnatal spine MR imaging. Images were reviewed by 2 board-certified fellowship-trained pediatric neuroradiologists. Corresponding clinical/operative reports were reviewed. RESULTS: One hundred nineteen fetal MRIs of open spinal dysraphisms were included. The level of the osseous defect between fetal and postnatal MR imaging was concordant in 42.9% (51/119) of cases and was 1 level different in 39% (47/119) of cases. On postnatal MR imaging, type II split cord malformation was seen in 8.4% (10/119) of cases, with only 50% (5/10) of these cases identified prospectively on fetal MR imaging. Syrinx was noted in 3% (4/119) of prenatal studies, all cervical, all confirmed on postnatal MR imaging. CONCLUSIONS: Fetal MR imaging is accurate in detecting the level of the spinal dysraphic defect, which has an impact on prenatal counseling, neurologic outcomes, and eligibility for fetal surgery. In addition, fetal MR imaging is limited in its ability to detect split cord malformations in patients with open spinal dysraphisms. Although rare, fetal MR imaging has a high specificity for detection of cervical spinal cord syrinx.

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