Revisiting short- and long-term outcome after fetal first-trimester primary cytomegalovirus infection in relation to prenatal imaging findings.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the short- and long-term outcome of pregnancies with proven first-trimester fetal cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in a large prospective cohort. METHODS: This was a prospective cohort study of pregnancies with documented primary maternal CMV infection in the first trimester and evidence of fetal infection, referred for further evaluation between January 2011 and January 2018. Maternal serological diagnosis of primary CMV infection was documented by seroconversion. Vertical CMV transmission was identified by amniocentesis with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the CMV genome. After birth, fetal infection was re-tested by PCR in neonatal urine or saliva samples. All patients underwent serial prenatal ultrasound scans and fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 32-33 weeks' gestation. All neonates underwent ocular fundus examination, an ultrasound brain scan and hearing evaluation, and were followed periodically for a median of 2 years (range, 6 months to 10 years). Follow-up information was obtained from hospital charts and by telephone interviews with parents. The CMV-associated outcomes assessed were sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL), neurodevelopmental abnormality, composite clinical outcome (including SNHL and neurodevelopmental abnormality) and composite outcome (additionally including termination of pregnancy (TOP)). The association between prenatal ultrasound or MRI findings and abnormal outcome was assessed. RESULTS: Primary CMV infection in the first trimester occurred in 123 patients. The rate of an abnormal ultrasound finding was 30.9%, and the rate of an abnormal MRI finding was 30.1% overall and 14.1% in the subgroup of patients with normal ultrasound. Of the 85 patients with normal ultrasound, 12 had an abnormal MRI finding, of whom five (5.9%) had true anatomical findings. Fifteen patients decided to terminate the pregnancy owing to abnormal prenatal findings on either ultrasound or MRI. Overall, the rate of CMV-associated postnatal and childhood sequelae was 27.8%, with a rate of 16.7% for SNHL and 11.1% for neurodevelopmental abnormalities, mostly slight motor or verbal delay. Approximately half of the cases with CMV-associated sequelae did not have any abnormal prenatal imaging findings. Abnormal prenatal findings on ultrasound were not associated significantly with SNHL, neurodevelopmental delay or composite clinical outcome (P = 0.084, 0.109 and 0.176, respectively), but they were associated with the composite outcome including TOP (P < 0.001). We identified a non-significant trend for a higher rate of SNHL in the group with abnormal ultrasound than in those with normal ultrasound. For abnormal MRI findings, we found a correlation only with neurodevelopmental abnormality and composite outcome (P = 0.014 and P < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The risk of childhood sequelae after first-trimester fetal CMV infection is most often associated with abnormal prenatal imaging findings. However, normal imaging does not rule out the development of SNHL and minor neurodevelopmental abnormalities. Copyright © 2019 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Neurodevelopmental outcome of fetal isolated ventricular asymmetry without dilation: a cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: Fetal isolated ventricular asymmetry (IVA) is a relatively common finding in pregnancy, but data regarding its effect on neurodevelopmental outcome are scarce and founded principally on ultrasound-based studies. The purpose of this study was to assess the neurodevelopmental outcome of IVA cases in a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based study. METHODS: Cases referred for fetal brain MRI as part of the assessment of IVA without ventriculomegaly (lateral ventricular atrial diameter ≤ 10 mm), identified during routine ultrasound examination, were assessed for possible inclusion. Asymmetry was defined as a difference in width of ≥ 2 mm between the two lateral ventricles. Forty-three cases were included in the study group and compared with a control group of 94 normal cases without IVA. Children were assessed at ages 13-74 months using the Vineland-II Adaptive Behavior Scales (VABS-II). RESULTS: VABS-II scores were within normal range. There was no significant difference in composite VABS-II score between the study and control groups (106.5 vs 108.0; P = 0.454). VABS-II scores did not differ between the groups when matched for gender and age at VABS-II interview (109.6 in study group vs 107.8 in control group; P = 0.690). CONCLUSION: In cases of IVA without ventriculomegaly on MRI, neurodevelopmental test scores were normal and did not differ from cases without IVA. Copyright © 2018 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Volumetric MRI study of the intrauterine growth restriction fetal brain.

OBJECTIVES: Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is a pathologic fetal condition known to affect the fetal brain regionally and associated with future neurodevelopmental abnormalities. This study employed MRI to assess in utero regional brain volume changes in IUGR fetuses compared to controls. METHODS: Retrospectively, using MRI images of fetuses at 30-34 weeks gestational age, a total of 8 brain regions-supratentorial brain and cavity, cerebral hemispheres, temporal lobes and cerebellum-were measured for volume in 13 fetuses with IUGR due to placental insufficiency and in 21 controls. Volumes and their ratios were assessed for difference using regression models. Reliability was assessed by intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) between two observers. RESULTS: In both groups, all structures increase in absolute volume during that gestation period, and the rate of cerebellar growth is higher compared to that of supratentorial structures. All structures' absolute volumes were significantly smaller for the IUGR group. Cerebellar to supratentorial ratios were found to be significantly smaller (P < 0.05) for IUGR compared to controls. No other significant ratio differences were found. ICC showed excellent agreement. CONCLUSIONS: The cerebellar to supratentorial volume ratio is affected in IUGR fetuses. Additional research is needed to assess this as a radiologic marker in relation to long-term outcome. KEY POINTS: • IUGR is a pathologic fetal condition affecting the brain • IUGR is associated with long-term neurodevelopmental abnormalities; fetal characterization is needed • This study aimed to evaluate regional brain volume differences in IUGR • Cerebellar to supratentorial volume ratios were smaller in IUGR fetuses • This finding may play a role in long-term development of IUGR fetuses.

Region-specific reductions in brain apparent diffusion coefficient in cytomegalovirus-infected fetuses.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection on apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values of the fetal brain in utero. METHODS: In this retrospective analysis we compared 58 fetal head magnetic resonance imaging (fhMRI) scans of PCR-verified CMV-infected fetuses, obtained in 2008-2012, with those of a normal control group of 36 gestational age (GA)-matched uninfected fetuses scanned between 2006 and 2012. Estimated GA at infection ranged from 1 to 32 weeks, and fhMRI was performed at 24 to 38 weeks. The frontal, parietal, temporal and occipital lobes (mainly white matter), basal ganglia, thalamus, pons and cerebellum were analyzed by assessing ADC values. Two pregnancies were terminated and postmortem confirmation was available in these cases. RESULTS: ADC values of CMV-infected fetuses correlated significantly and negatively with GA in all brain regions except the basal ganglia. The cerebellum had the greatest reduction (r = -0.52, P < 0.0001). Maternal age correlated positively with ADC in the frontal lobe (P < 0.05). GA at infection and overt pathological changes did not affect ADC significantly. Compared with non-infected fetuses, ADC values of affected fetuses were significantly reduced in the frontal (P < 0.0001), parietal (P < 0.0001), occipital (P = 0.0005) and temporal (P = 0.001) lobes and thalamus (P = 0.006). CONCLUSION: CMV infection of the fetal brain results in a highly significant, region-dependent reduction of ADC values in the frontal, parietal, occipital and temporal lobes and thalamus, probably reflecting hypercellularity and inclusion bodies in damaged areas. Further studies are needed to determine if reduction in ADC values may serve as a prognostic factor in CMV-infected fetuses. Copyright © 2014 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Fetal Brain MRI: Novel Classification and Contribution to Sonography.

PURPOSE: 1) To evaluate and classify the indications for fetal brain MRI in a tertiary referral center. 2) To assess the contribution of fetal brain MRI to fetal neurosonography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study in a tertiary medical center during a two-year period (2011 - 2012) included pregnant women who underwent fetal brain MRI. MRI was implemented at 32 weeks of gestation unless a severe abnormality possibly requiring earlier medical intervention was suspected. RESULTS: 633 patients were included, 40 (6.3%) underwent repeated examinations with a total of 733 fetal MRI scans. Patients were classified to three main indication cohorts: Suspected primary brain anomaly (52.9%), non-CNS disorders (32.5%) and obstetrical complications (14.6%). These cohorts were further divided into 16 separate groups with lateral ventricle abnormalities being the most common (23.7%), followed by exposure to TORCH (17.5%) and cerebral cortex abnormalities (13%). 149 (19.3%) fetal MRI scans demonstrated additional findings. Repeated examinations were commonly implemented in complicated monochorionic-biamniotic (MCBA) twin pregnancies (34.6%) and in cases of supra-tentorial cysts (19%). The average gestational age for MRI scan in the MCBA group was 26 ±â€Š5 weeks in comparison to ≥ 31st weeks in all other groups (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The current study describes a detailed picture of fetal brain MRI indications. Most patients were referred because of CNS anomalies. The impressive diversity of 16 separate entities emphasizes the expanding use of fetal brain MRI. Complicated MCBA pregnancies, which may have dramatic events, constitute a unique challenge due to early and repetitive MRI examinations and may serve as a role model for the contribution of fetal MRI during antenatal evaluation. The contribution of MRI to prenatal evaluation in various indications is discussed.

Prenatal Brain Imaging in Isolated vs. Complicated Club Foot: A Cohort Study.

Purpose: Talipes equinovarus (TEV) is a common birth defect. Differentiation between isolated and complex TEV is fundamental due to its effect on prognosis. Association between TEV and poor neurological outcome is more prominent in complex cases and highlights the significance of brain evaluation. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the contribution of fetal brain MRI to sonographic evaluation. Materials and Methods: In this retrospective study we evaluated charts of all pregnant patients referred for fetal brain MRI due to fetal TEV between 1/1/2011 and 12/31/14 in a single tertiary referral center. Isolated and complex TEV were differentiated according to associated anomalies. Brain US and MRI results were compared. Results: 28 pregnant patients were included with an average gestation and parity of 2.5 and 1.5, respectively. Both isolated and complicated TEV groups included 14 fetuses after initial TEV diagnosis on anatomical survey. Brain sonography and MRI were normal among 12/14 patients with isolated TEV while two patients were later diagnosed with mild ventriculomegaly. US brain evaluation has revealed pathologic findings in 4 (28.6 %) cases in the complicated TEV group, while MRI demonstrated abnormal findings in 8 (57.1 %) fetuses with notable severity diversity. In 6 cases, MRI diagnosed additional pathologies which were not demonstrated by US. Conclusion: Brain fetal MRI is an efficient tool during antenatal evaluation of complicated TEV with a high percentage of additional findings not demonstrated songraphically while its efficacy in isolated cases is in doubt. The current study expands the relevance of fetal brain MRI in cases of non-CNS anomalies.

Early detection by diffusion-weighted sequence magnetic resonance imaging of severe brain lesions after fetoscopic laser coagulation for twin-twin transfusion syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: Monochorionic twins treated by fetoscopic laser coagulation (FLC) for twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) are at increased risk of neurodevelopmental impairment. Our aim was to evaluate the additional value of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) over fetal sonography and T2 magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the detection of acute ischemic cerebral lesions shortly following FLC. METHODS: This was a prospective cohort study of fetuses with TTTS treated by FLC. All fetuses underwent brain DWI and T2-MRI within 24-96 h after the procedure and a follow-up MRI at 30-32 weeks' gestation. All fetuses also had frequent ultrasound evaluation until delivery. RESULTS: Thirty pregnancies with TTTS were included in the study. Eight resulted in survival of only one twin after the procedure (Group A), while the other 22 pregnancies resulted in the survival of both twins (Group B), as assessed at the time of initial MRI. Two fetuses in Group A and four in Group B had evidence of transient bleeding in the germinal matrix. Three fetuses in Group B and none in Group A had diffuse ischemic changes in the white matter. One fetus died in utero 24 h after MRI. The other two fetuses in Group B demonstrated an acute infarct 24-48 h after the procedure. Subsequent scans at 28-29 and 32 weeks showed brain atrophy compatible with an old infarct. CONCLUSIONS: DWI can demonstrate cerebral damage immediately after FLC. Larger cohorts are needed to determine the role of fetal MRI in the prenatal assessment and follow-up of patients with TTTS.

Head progression distance in prolonged second stage of labor: relationship with mode of delivery and fetal head station.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical significance of fetal head progression distance (HPD), measured by transperineal ultrasound, during prolonged second stage of labor. METHODS: In this prospective study, a single operator, who was blinded to the results of the digital examination, assessed using transperineal ultrasound women at ≥ 37 weeks of gestation with failure to progress in the second stage of labor. Patients had an empty urinary bladder and the examination was performed during maternal pushing. HPD was defined as the length of the line perpendicular to the infrapubic line that would connect it to the lowest part of the fetal bony skull. We analyzed associations between HPD and digital examination of fetal head station, fetomaternal characteristics, mode of delivery and perinatal outcome. RESULTS: Sixty-five patients in prolonged second stage of labor participated in the study. The overall mean HPD was 6.50 (± 1.35; 95% CI, 6.16-6.83) cm. No correlation was found between HPD and head position or mode of delivery, but HPD was positively correlated with fetal head station and neonatal head circumference measured after delivery. Logistic regression and receiver-operating characteristics curve analysis demonstrated no significant predictive value of HPD with respect to mode of delivery. CONCLUSION: Although HPD in prolonged second stage of labor could not predict mode of delivery, it may have a role as an ancillary tool for fetal head station assessment.

Pubic arch angle in prolonged second stage of labor: clinical significance.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical significance of the pubic arch angle (PAA) measured by transperineal ultrasound during prolonged second stage of labor. METHODS: We evaluated prospectively 62 women ≥ 37 weeks of gestation with failure to progress in the second stage of labor. Transperineal ultrasound (transverse plane) was used to measure the pubic arch angle. Correlations with fetomaternal characteristics, mode of delivery and perinatal outcome were evaluated. RESULTS: The mean PAA was 101.1° (± 13.1°; range, 80°-135°). We found a negative correlation with maternal age. Patients with an occipitotransverse fetal position had a significantly smaller angle compared with those with occipitoanterior positions (94.3° ± 5.5° vs. 103.2° ± 14.8°, P < 0.05), as did those with operative deliveries compared with those with spontaneous vaginal delivery (97.1° ± 11.5° vs. 110.1° ± 14.0°, P < 0.05). The prediction of operative delivery in prolonged second stage of labor by receiver-operating characteristics curve using PAA alone yielded an area under the curve of 0.75. The predicted probability for operative delivery increased as PAA decreased, with an odds ratio of 0.933 for each decrease in angle of 1°. CONCLUSION: Our study suggests a correlation between the PAA and mode of delivery in prolonged second stage of labor. This may be used as an adjunctive parameter when considering delivery mode.

Late diagnosis of fetal central nervous system anomalies following a normal second trimester anatomy scan.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to describe the nature of central nervous system (CNS) anomalies diagnosed during the third trimester following a normal anatomy scan at 21-24 weeks of gestation. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study of all pregnant women referred to the fetal medicine unit at Sheba Medical Center between 2005 and 2011 due to fetal CNS anomalies detected at the late second and third trimesters following a normal anatomy scan at 21-24 weeks of gestation. RESULTS: During the study period, 47 patients were diagnosed with fetal CNS anomalies at a median gestational age of 31.1 weeks (range 24-38). The four most common anomalies found included intracranial cysts (19%), mild ventriculomegaly (15%), absence or dysgenesis of the corpus callosum (10%), and intracerebral hemorrhage (10%). Other CNS anomalies detected in this group of patients included hydrocephalus, Dandy walker malformation, large cysterna magna, microcephalus with lissencephaly, craniosynestosis, periventricular pseudocysts, global brain ischemia, cerebellar hypoplasia, and sub-ependymal nodule. CONCLUSIONS: Fetal brain continues to evolve throughout gestation, and therefore, some of the CNS anomalies can be diagnosed only during late second and third trimesters of pregnancy. Consequently, in patients who have a third trimester scan for any reason, assessment of the fetal CNS should be considered.

Subarachnoid Space Measurements in Apparently Healthy Fetuses Using MR Imaging.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The fetal subarachnoid space size serves as an indicator of normal brain development. The subarachnoid space is commonly measured by an ultrasound examination. Introduction of MR imaging for fetal brain evaluation enables standardization of MR imaging-driven subarachnoid space parameters for a more accurate evaluation. This study aimed to determine the normal range of MR imaging-derived subarachnoid space size in fetuses according to gestational age. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study based on a retrospective assessment of randomly selected brain MR images of apparently healthy fetuses performed between 2012 and 2020 at a large tertiary medical center was performed. Demographic data were collected from the mothers' medical records. Subarachnoid space size was measured at 10 reference points using the axial and coronal planes. Only MR imaging scans obtained between weeks 28 and 37 of pregnancy were included. Scans with low-quality images, multiple pregnancy, and cases with intracranial pathologic findings were excluded. RESULTS: Overall, 214 apparently healthy fetuses were included (mean maternal age, 31.2 [SD, 5.4] years). Good interobserver and intraobserver agreement was observed (intraclass correlation coefficient > 0.75 for all except 1 parameter). For each gestational week, the 3rd, 15th, 50th, 85th, and 97th percentiles of each subarachnoid space measurement were described. CONCLUSIONS: MR imaging-derived subarachnoid space values at a specific gestational age provide reproducible measurements, probably due to the high resolution of MR imaging and adherence to the true radiologic planes. Normal values for brain MR imaging could provide valuable reference information for assessing brain development, thus being an important tool in the decision-making process of both clinicians and parents.

Early Fetal Corpus Callosum: Demonstrating Normal Growth and Detecting Pathologies in Early Pregnancy.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: A malformed corpus callosum carries a risk for abnormal neurodevelopment. The advent of high-frequency transducers offers the opportunity to assess corpus callosum development in early pregnancy. The aim of the study was to construct a reference chart of the fetal corpus callosum length on ultrasound between 13 and 19 weeks of gestation and to prospectively examine growth patterns in pathologic cases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a prospective cross-sectional study between 2020 and 2022 in well-dated, low-risk, singleton pregnancies between 13 and 19 weeks of gestation. A standardized image was obtained in the midsagittal plane. Imaging criteria were used as a confirmation of the early corpus callosum. Measurements were taken by 4 trained sonographers. Intra- and interobserver variability was assessed. Corpus callosum length in centiles were calculated for each gestational week. RESULTS: One hundred eighty-seven fetuses were included in the study. All cases met inclusion criteria. At 13 weeks of gestation, the margins of the early corpus callosum were sufficiently clear to be measured in 80% (20/25) of fetuses. A cubic polynomial regression model best described the correlation between corpus length and gestational age. The correlation coefficient (r 2) was 0.929 (P < .001). Intra- and interobserver variability had high interclass correlation coefficients (>0.99). Presented is the earliest published case of agenesis of corpus callosum and a case of dysgenetic corpus callosum in Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome. CONCLUSIONS: Provided is a nomogram of the early fetal corpus callosum. Applying imaging criteria helped to identify a case of complete agenesis of the corpus callosum as early as 14 weeks.

Volumetric Brain MRI Study in Fetuses with Intrauterine Growth Restriction Using a Semiautomated Method.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: According to the medical literature, it is known that intrauterine growth restriction is associated with abnormal fetal brain findings. The aim of this study was to assess the volume of fetal brain structures in fetuses with intrauterine growth restriction compared with the control group and to examine the effect of intrauterine growth restriction on birth weight in relation to the effect on the volumes of these structures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This historical cohort study included 26 fetuses diagnosed with intrauterine growth restriction due to placental insufficiency. The control group included 66 fetuses with MR imaging scans demonstrating normal brain structures. The volumes of the supratentorial brain, left and right hemispheres, and the cerebellum were measured using a semiautomatic method. In addition, the cerebellum and supratentorial brain ratio was calculated. The measurements of each brain structure were then converted to percentiles according to growth curves. RESULTS: The absolute volumes and percentiles of all brain structures examined were smaller in the intrauterine growth restriction group. All examined brain structures showed results that were statistically significant (P < .015). There was no statistically significant difference in the cerebellum/supratentorial brain ratio (P > .39). The difference in brain volume percentiles was statistically smaller than the difference in birth weight and birth weight percentiles (Dolberg growth curves) between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Intrauterine growth restriction affects the volume of brain structures, as measured by quantitative MR imaging. Compared with healthy controls, the effect on birth weight was more prominent than the effect on brain structures, possibly due to the "brain-preserving" capability.

Correlation between 2D and 3D Fetal Brain MRI Biometry and Neurodevelopmental Outcomes in Fetuses with Suspected Microcephaly and Macrocephaly.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Definitions of fetal microcephaly and macrocephaly are debatable. A better understanding of their long-term prognoses would help guide parental education and counseling. This study aimed to explore the correlation between 2D and 3D fetal brain MR imaging biometry results and the long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This analysis is a historical cohort study. Fetal brain biometry was measured on 2D and 3D MR imaging using a volumetric MR imaging semiautomated algorithm. We measured and assessed the following brain structures: the supratentorial brain volume and cerebellar volume and cerebellar volume/supratentorial brain volume ratio, in addition to commonly used 2D brain MR imaging biometric variables, including occipitofrontal diameter, biparietal diameter, and transcerebellar diameter. Microcephaly was defined as ≤ 3rd percentile; and macrocephaly, as ≥ 97th percentile, corresponding to -2 SDs and +2 SDs. The neurodevelopmental outcome of this study cohort was evaluated using the Vineland-II Adaptive Behavior Scales, and the measurements were correlated to the Vineland standard scores. RESULTS: A total of 70 fetuses were included. No significant correlation was observed between the Vineland scores and either the supratentorial brain volume, cerebellar volume, or supratentorial brain volume/cerebellar volume ratio in 3D or 2D MR imaging measurements, after correction for multiple comparisons. No differences were found among fetuses with macrocephaly, normocephaly, or microcephaly regarding the median Vineland standard scores. CONCLUSIONS: Provided there is normal brain structure on MR imaging, the developmental milestone achievements in early years are unrelated to 2D and 3D fetal brain MR imaging biometry, in the range of measurements depicted in this study.

Fetal Exposure to MR Imaging: Long-Term Neurodevelopmental Outcome.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Very few studies have investigated long-term neurodevelopment of children exposed to MR imaging antenatally. Thus, the purpose of our study was to evaluate long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes of children exposed to MR imaging during pregnancy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a historical prospective cohort study in a single tertiary medical center. Women exposed to 1.5T noncontrast MR imaging for maternal or fetal indications were matched to unexposed controls. Long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes were evaluated of their children, 2.5 to 6 years of age, according to the Vineland-II Adaptive Behavior Scale. The Vineland-II Adaptive Behavior Scale assesses communication, daily living skills, socialization, and motor skills. A composite score summarizes these 4 domains. RESULTS: A total of 131 exposed women matched our inclusion criteria and were included in the study group, and 771 unexposed women, in the control group. No difference was identified in the Vineland-II Adaptive Behavior Scale composite score between the children of the study and control groups (mean, 110.79 versus 108.18; P = .098). Differences were also not observed between the children of the 2 groups in 3 of the 4 questionnaire domains: communication (108.84 versus 109.10; P = .888), daily living skills (109.51 versus 108.28; P = .437), and motor skills (105.09 versus 104.42; P = .642). However, the socialization score was favorable for the study group (112.98 versus 106.47; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Exposure to 1.5T noncontrast MR imaging during pregnancy had no harmful effects on long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes. This study contributes to understanding the safety of MR imaging during pregnancy.

Volumetric MRI Study of the Brain in Fetuses with Intrauterine Cytomegalovirus Infection and Its Correlation to Neurodevelopmental Outcome.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: In recent years, effort has been made to study 3D biometry as a method for fetal brain assessment. In this study, we aimed to compare brain volumes of fetuses with cytomegalovirus infection and noninfected controls. Also, we wanted to assess whether there is a correlation to their neurodevelopmental outcome as observed after several years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective cohort study examined MR imaging brain scans of 42 fetuses (at 30-34 weeks' gestational age) that were diagnosed with intrauterine cytomegalovirus infection. Volumetric measurements of 6 structures were assessed using a semiautomated designated program and were compared with a control group of 50 fetuses. Data collected included prenatal history and MR imaging and sonographic and neurodevelopmental follow-up. RESULTS: We found that all brain volumes measured were smaller in the cytomegalovirus-infected group and that there was a correlation between smaller cerebellar volume and lower Vineland II Adaptive Behavior Scales questionnaire scores, especially in the fields of daily living and communication skills. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we found that brain volumes are affected by intrauterine cytomegalovirus infection and that it has a developmental prognostic meaning. Such information, which should be supported by further research, may help clinicians further analyze imaging data to treat and make a better assessment of these fetuses.

Prenatal ultrasonographic diagnosis of persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous.

Persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous (PHPV) is a rare developmental malformation of the eye characterized by the presence of a vascular membrane located behind the lens. We report, for the first time in the literature, the identification on ultrasound examination of bilateral cataract and thickened hyaloid artery-lens junction, leading to a diagnosis of bilateral PHPV, in a fetus at 23 weeks' gestation. Histological examination at postmortem confirmed the prenatal diagnosis of bilateral PHPV and cataract. A thorough ultrasound examination of the fetal eye in cases with cataract is recommended.