Prenatal ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging and therapeutic options for fetal thoracic anomalies: a pictorial essay

Abstract

Congenital thoracic anomalies are uncommon malformations that require a precise diagnosis to guide parental counseling and possible prenatal treatment. Prenatal ultrasound (US) is the gold standard imaging modality to first detect and characterize these abnormalities and the best modality for follow-up. Fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a complementary tool that provides multiplanar assessment and tissue characterization and can help estimate prognosis. Prenatal treatment is increasingly being used in fetuses with signs of distress and to potentially decrease morbidity and mortality. In this essay, the authors illustrate side-by-side US, MRI and therapeutic options for congenital thoracic anomalies in cases that presented to a tertiary pediatric hospital during the 7-year period 2014–2021. Entities included are congenital diaphragmatic hernia, congenital pulmonary airway malformation, bronchopulmonary sequestration, hybrid lesions, foregut duplications cysts and congenital lobar overinflation. Treatment options include maternal steroids, thoraco-amniotic shunt and fetal endotracheal occlusion. Recognition of typical findings in congenital thoracic anomalies is helpful to establish diagnosis, predict prognosis and plan perinatal treatment. Graphical Abstract

Bronchopulmonary foregut malformation with severe hemoptysis in advanced age: a case report and literature review

“…Yang et al reviewed 61 cases of BPFM and found that the diagnostic methods used were mainly UGI radiography (62.3%) and CT (11.5%) ( 7 ). Caro-Domínguez et al reported that BPFM can also be diagnosed by ultrasound and MRI ( 11 ). A UGI series can detect abnormal bronchial–esophageal channels.…”

Imaging Diagnosis for Intradiaphragmatic Pulmonary Sequestration

“…In addition, prenatal ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging were not evaluated. 28,29 These modalities are widely used to evaluate congenital anomalies. Therefore, further studies including these modalities could provide additional clues to diagnose ID-EPS.…”

Bronchopulmonary foregut malformation with severe hemoptysis in advanced age: a case report and literature review

“…7 Domínguez et al reported that BPFM can also be diagnosed by ultrasound and MRI. 11 A UGI series can detect abnormal bronchial-esophageal channels. According to Yutaka et al, CT scans reveal that approximately 75% of BPFM patients have lesions in the right lung, particularly in the posterior basal segment of the right lower lobe, and the typical manifestations are consolidation and cystic shadows.…”