The Contribution of MRI after Fetal Anomalies Have Been Diagnosed by Ultrasound: Correlation with Postnatal Outcomes.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate the additional value of fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the assessment and management of fetuses with abnormal findings on ultrasound.

METHODS

A total of 257 patients who had fetal MRI following the ultrasound diagnosis of a fetal anomaly, or were at high risk, were included. The patients were grouped by referral category for fetal MRI. Fetal MRI was compared to ultrasound in the detection of anomalies, i.e. whether additional findings were identified and if this changed diagnosis, prognosis and management during pregnancy.

RESULTS

Ultrasound findings were confirmed on fetal MRI in 89% of the cases. Additional findings were seen with MRI in 28% of all patients. The diagnosis changed in 21% and the prognosis in 19% of the cases. Perinatal management changed in 8%. The antenatal findings were confirmed in all cases that had a postmortem examination following termination of pregnancy. In all the pregnancies that continued to delivery and for which the postnatal outcome is known, the findings correlated in 97% of the cases.

CONCLUSION

Fetal MRI provided additional detection of fetal anomalies, leading to a change in diagnosis and prognosis in 19% of the cases. Neonatal and postmortem findings mostly confirmed the fetal MRI diagnosis, suggesting it to be a useful tool for clinical decision making in perinatal management.