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1.
Neuroradiology ; 2024 Jul 05.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38967815

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To assess image quality and diagnostic confidence of 3D T1-weighted spoiled gradient echo (SPGR) MRI using artificial intelligence (AI) reconstruction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective, IRB-approved study enrolled 50 pediatric patients (mean age = 11.8 ± 3.1 years) undergoing clinical brain MRI. In addition to standard of care (SOC) compressed SENSE (CS = 2.5), 3D T1-weighted SPGR images were obtained with higher CS acceleration factors (5 and 8) to evaluate the ability of AI reconstruction to improve image quality and reduce scan time. Images were reviewed independently on dedicated research PACS workstations by two neuroradiologists. Quantitative analysis of signal intensities to calculate apparent grey and white matter signal to noise (aSNR) and grey-white matter apparent contrast to noise ratios (aCNR) was performed. RESULTS: AI improved overall image quality compared to standard CS reconstruction in 35% (35/100) of evaluations in CS = 2.5 (average scan time = 221 ± 6.9 s), 100% (46/46) of CS = 5 (average scan time = 113.3 ± 4.6 s) and 94% (47/50) of CS = 8 (average scan time = 74.1 ± 0.01 s). Quantitative analysis revealed significantly higher grey matter aSNR, white matter aSNR and grey-white matter aCNR with AI reconstruction compared to standard reconstruction for CS 5 and 8 (all p-values < 0.001), however not for CS 2.5. CONCLUSIONS: AI reconstruction improved overall image quality and gray-white matter qualitative and quantitative aSNR and aCNR in highly accelerated (CS = 5 and 8) 3D T1W SPGR images in the majority of pediatric patients.

2.
Pediatr Radiol ; 2024 Jun 18.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38890153

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Artificial intelligence (AI) reconstruction techniques have the potential to improve image quality and decrease imaging time. However, these techniques must be assessed for safe and effective use in clinical practice. OBJECTIVE: To assess image quality and diagnostic confidence of AI reconstruction in the pediatric brain on fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) imaging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective, institutional review board (IRB)-approved study enrolled 50 pediatric patients (median age=12 years, Q1=10 years, Q3=14 years) undergoing clinical brain MRI. T2-weighted (T2W) FLAIR images were reconstructed by both standard clinical and AI reconstruction algorithms (strong denoising). Images were independently rated by two neuroradiologists on a dedicated research picture archiving and communication system (PACS) to indicate whether AI increased, decreased, or had no effect on image quality compared to standard reconstruction. Quantitative analysis of signal intensities was also performed to calculate apparent signal to noise (aSNR) and apparent contrast to noise (aCNR) ratios. RESULTS: AI reconstruction was better than standard in 99% (reader 1, 49/50; reader 2, 50/50) for overall image quality, 99% (reader 1, 49/50; reader 2, 50/50) for subjective SNR, and 98% (reader 1, 49/50; reader 2, 49/50) for diagnostic preference. Quantitative analysis revealed significantly higher gray matter aSNR (30.6±6.5), white matter aSNR (21.4±5.6), and gray-white matter aCNR (7.1±1.6) in AI-reconstructed images compared to standard reconstruction (18±2.7, 14.2±2.8, 4.4±0.8, p<0.001) respectively. CONCLUSION: We conclude that AI reconstruction improved T2W FLAIR image quality in most patients when compared with standard reconstruction in pediatric patients.

3.
Pediatr Radiol ; 54(5): 702-714, 2024 05.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38488924

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Twin reversed arterial perfusion (TRAP) sequence is a rare complication of monochorionic multiple gestation pregnancies, in which the pump twin provides hemodynamic support to a nonviable co-twin (acardius). Fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is used to detect pump twin abnormalities, particularly brain ischemia, prior to fetal intervention to interrupt umbilical blood flow to the acardius. OBJECTIVE: To summarize the imaging findings of TRAP sequence pregnancies in a large series. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A single-center retrospective review was performed of all TRAP sequence pregnancies referred for fetal MRI (2004-2021). Fetal MRI, ultrasound, and echocardiography data were collected. RESULTS: Eighty-eight TRAP sequence pregnancies with MRI were included (mean gestational age, 19.8±2.8 weeks). Demise of the pump twin was noted in two pregnancies at the time of MRI. By MRI, 12% (10/86) of live pump twins had abnormalities, including 3% (3/86) with brain abnormalities and 9% (8/86) with extra-cranial abnormalities. By echocardiography, 7% (6/86) of pump twins had structural cardiac abnormalities. Three acardius morphological subtypes were identified by MRI: acephalus (55%, 48/88), anceps (39%, 34/88), and amorphous (7%, 6/88). The mean ultrasound acardius to pump twin ratio A/P ratio, calculated for each twin pair as the ratio of the acardius trunk (and head, if present) plus limb volume to the pump twin estimated fetal weight) differed among the three acardius subtypes (P=.03). The mean A/P ratio moderately correlated with pump twin cardiothoracic ratio and combined cardiac output (Pearson's r=0.45 and 0.48, respectively, both P<.001). CONCLUSION: Fetal MRI of TRAP sequence pregnancies found anomalies in a substantial number of pump twins. The three acardius subtypes differed in A/P ratio, which moderately correlated with the pump twin cardiothoracic ratio and combined cardiac output.


Subject(s)
Echocardiography , Fetofetal Transfusion , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Ultrasonography, Prenatal , Humans , Female , Pregnancy , Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods , Retrospective Studies , Fetofetal Transfusion/diagnostic imaging , Ultrasonography, Prenatal/methods , Echocardiography/methods , Pregnancy, Twin , Prenatal Diagnosis/methods , Adult
4.
AJR Am J Roentgenol ; 220(3): 418-427, 2023 03.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36169547

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND. The opioid epidemic has profoundly affected infants born in the United States, as in utero opioid exposure increases the risk of cognitive and behavioral problems in childhood. Scarce literature has evaluated prenatal brain development in fetuses with opioid exposure in utero (hereafter opioid-exposed fetuses). OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study is to compare opioid-exposed fetuses and fetuses without opioid exposure (hereafter unexposed fetuses) in terms of 2D biometric measurements of the brain and additional pregnancy-related assessments on fetal MRI. METHODS. This prospective case-control study included patients in the third trimester of pregnancy who underwent investigational fetal MRI at one of three U.S. academic medical centers from July 1, 2020, through December 31, 2021. Fetuses were classified as opioid exposed or unexposed in utero. Fourteen 2D biometric measurements of the fetal brain were manually assessed and used to derive four indexes. Measurements and indexes were compared between the two groups by use of multivariable linear regression models, which were adjusted for gestational age (GA), fetal sex, and nicotine exposure. Additional pregnancy-related findings on MRI were evaluated. RESULTS. The study included 65 women (mean age, 29.0 ± 5.5 [SD] years). A total of 28 fetuses (mean GA at the time of MRI, 32.2 ± 2.5 weeks) were opioid-exposed, and 37 fetuses (mean GA at the time of MRI, 31.9 ± 2.7 weeks) were unexposed. In the adjusted models, seven measurements were smaller (p < .05) in opioid-exposed fetuses than in unexposed fetuses: cerebral frontooccipital diameter (93.8 ± 7.4 vs 95.0 ± 8.6 mm), bone biparietal diameter (79.0 ± 6.0 vs 80.3 ± 7.1 mm), brain biparietal diameter (72.9 ± 7.7 vs 74.1 ± 8.6 mm), corpus callosum length (37.7 ± 4.0 vs 39.4 ± 3.7 mm), vermis height (18.2 ± 2.7 vs 18.8 ± 2.6 mm), anteroposterior pons measurement (11.6 ± 1.4 vs 12.1 ± 1.4 mm), and transverse cerebellar diameter (40.4 ± 5.1 vs 41.4 ± 6.0 mm). In addition, in the adjusted model, the frontoocccipital index was larger (p = .02) in opioid-exposed fetuses (0.04 ± 0.02) than in unexposed fetuses (0.04 ± 0.02). Remaining measures and indexes were not significantly different between the two groups (p > .05). Fetal motion, cervical length, and deepest vertical pocket of amniotic fluid were not significantly different (p > .05) between groups. Opioid-exposed fetuses, compared with unexposed fetuses, showed higher frequencies of both breech position (21% vs 3%, p = .03) and increased amniotic fluid volume (29% vs 8%, p = .04). CONCLUSION. Fetuses with opioid exposure in utero had a smaller brain size and altered fetal physiology. CLINICAL IMPACT. The findings provide insight into the impact of prenatal opioid exposure on fetal brain development.


Subject(s)
Analgesics, Opioid , Brain , Pregnancy , Infant , Humans , Female , Young Adult , Adult , Pregnancy Trimester, Third , Case-Control Studies , Brain/diagnostic imaging , Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods , Gestational Age , Fetus , Ultrasonography, Prenatal/methods
5.
Pediatr Radiol ; 52(4): 802-816, 2022 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34232351

ABSTRACT

Fetal MRI and neonatal MRI of the central nervous system (CNS) are complementary tools that can help to accurately counsel and direct the management of children with anomalies of the central nervous system. Postnatal MRI can add to fetal MRI by allowing for monitoring of changes in the severity of disease, better delineation of a suspected prenatal anomaly, evaluation for secondary pathologies related to the primary diagnosis, and surgical management direction. In this review we discuss the roles of fetal and neonatal MRI in the diagnosis and treatment of congenital anomalies of the CNS through a series of case examples and how both are important in patient management.


Subject(s)
Central Nervous System Diseases/diagnostic imaging , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Nervous System Malformations/diagnostic imaging , Child , Female , Fetus/diagnostic imaging , Humans , Infant, Newborn , Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods , Pregnancy , Prenatal Diagnosis/methods , Ultrasonography, Prenatal/methods
6.
Pediatr Radiol ; 51(7): 1149-1161, 2021 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33978792

ABSTRACT

Most acute nontraumatic periorbital and intraorbital pathologies in pediatric patients have an underlying infectious or inflammatory etiology, and imaging frequently plays a key role in the workup and management of these children. In this paper we review the clinical presentation and imaging findings in children with some of the most common infectious and inflammatory diseases involving the orbit. Basic relevant anatomy and imaging findings on various imaging modalities are also reviewed.


Subject(s)
Orbit , Orbital Diseases , Child , Diagnostic Tests, Routine , Face , Humans , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Orbit/diagnostic imaging , Orbital Diseases/diagnostic imaging , Tomography, X-Ray Computed
7.
Pediatr Radiol ; 51(10): 1798-1808, 2021 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34009407

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: As the safety and efficacy of fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 3 tesla (T) continues to evolve, understanding its potential benefits and limitations is becoming increasingly important. OBJECTIVE: We aim to compare the image quality of fetal MRI between 1.5 T and 3 T in routine clinical practice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fetal MRIs performed at 3 T between Jan. 1, 2019, and Dec. 31, 2019, at our institution were retrospectively reviewed by four fellowship-trained subspecialty radiologists. Imaging quality by system, sequence and artifacts were compared with matched controls at 1.5 T and rated using a modified Likert scale. RESULTS: Thirty-three fetal MRIs at 3 T were reviewed, and a control group of studies for the same clinical indication and equivalent gestational age were selected for comparison. Two of the four radiologists preferred 3-T image quality of the brain with slight agreement among the four reviewers (k=0.19, P=0.01). Three of the four radiologists had no preference for 1.5 T vs. 3 T in the majority of cases in evaluating the chest and abdomen. In the overall assessment, 3 T was preferred in less than half of cases by all four radiologists (k=0.07, P=0.26). In the evaluation of standing wave, moire fringe and magnetic susceptibility artifacts, 3 T was not preferred in the majority of studies by all four radiologists. Total exam time was significantly longer in the 3-T fetal MRIs (75.0±15.1 min) compared to the 1.5-T fetal MRIs (55.5±13.3 min, P<0.001). CONCLUSION: While 3 T is a feasible alternative to 1.5 T for fetal MRI, the increased artifacts and longer exam times observed at 3 T without clear improvement in overall image quality make 1.5 T preferable for fetal MRI in routine clinical practice.


Subject(s)
Artifacts , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Brain , Fetus/diagnostic imaging , Humans , Retrospective Studies
8.
Prenat Diagn ; 40(1): 49-57, 2020 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31351017

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study is to examine MRI findings of the brain and spine on prenatal and postnatal MRI following intrauterine repair of open spinal dysraphism (OSD) by open hysterotomy and fetoscopic approaches. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study is a single-center HIPAA-compliant and IRB-approved retrospective analysis of fetal MRIs with open spinal dysraphism from January 2011 through December 2018 that underwent subsequent prenatal repair of OSD. RESULTS: Sixty-two patients met inclusion criteria: 47 underwent open repair, and 15 underwent fetoscopic repair, with an average gestational age of 22.6 ± 1.4 weeks at initial MRI. On postnatal MRI, spinal cord syrinx was seen in 34% (16/47) of patients undergoing open versus 33.3% (5/15) undergoing fetoscopic repair (P = 0.96). Postnatally, there was no significant difference in hindbrain herniation between the open versus fetoscopic repair groups (P = 0.28). Lateral ventricular size was significantly larger in the open (20.9 ± 6.7 mm) versus the fetoscopic repair (16.1 ± 4.9 mm) group (P = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Though lateral ventricular size in the open repair group was larger than the fetoscopic repair group, this can likely be explained by initial selection criteria used for fetoscopic repair. Other postoperative imaging parameters on postnatal MRI were not significantly different between the two groups.


Subject(s)
Encephalocele/diagnostic imaging , Fetal Therapies/methods , Fetoscopy/methods , Intracranial Hemorrhages/diagnostic imaging , Meningomyelocele/diagnostic imaging , Spina Bifida Cystica/diagnostic imaging , Syringomyelia/diagnostic imaging , Brain/diagnostic imaging , Female , Fetal Diseases/diagnostic imaging , Fetal Diseases/surgery , Gestational Age , Humans , Hysterotomy/methods , Infant, Newborn , Infant, Newborn, Diseases/diagnostic imaging , Infant, Newborn, Diseases/surgery , Lateral Ventricles/diagnostic imaging , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Male , Meningomyelocele/surgery , Patient Selection , Pregnancy , Prenatal Diagnosis , Retrospective Studies , Spina Bifida Cystica/surgery , Spinal Cord/diagnostic imaging , Ultrasonography, Prenatal
9.
Childs Nerv Syst ; 36(8): 1669-1679, 2020 08.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31624860

ABSTRACT

Ventriculomegaly is the term used to describe abnormal enlargement of ventricles in the brain. Neuroimaging, whether it is by ultrasound, computed tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging, is the key to its identification and can help to diagnose its cause and guide management in many cases. The implementation of the imaging modalities and potential differential considerations varies from the fetus, infant, and pediatric patient. Here we discuss how the imaging modalities can be used in these patient populations and review some of the differential considerations.


Subject(s)
Hydrocephalus , Nervous System Malformations , Cerebral Ventricles/diagnostic imaging , Child , Female , Fetus/diagnostic imaging , Humans , Hydrocephalus/diagnostic imaging , Infant , Infant, Newborn , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Pregnancy , Prenatal Diagnosis , Ultrasonography, Prenatal
10.
Pediatr Radiol ; 50(13): 1988-1998, 2020 12.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33252764

ABSTRACT

Over the last decade fetal surgery to repair open spinal dysraphisms has become an acceptable and in some cases desirable alternative to the traditional method of postnatal closure. Fetal MRI is an essential part of the workup in these patients, not only to select the appropriate candidates for fetal surgery but also to guide prenatal counseling and perinatal management. In this article we review current surgical techniques for prenatal repair, relevant imaging findings in the era of fetal surgery, and expected imaging findings of the brain and spine in the fetal and postnatal periods.


Subject(s)
Spinal Dysraphism , Brain , Female , Fetus , Humans , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Pregnancy , Spinal Dysraphism/diagnostic imaging , Spinal Dysraphism/surgery , Spine/diagnostic imaging , Spine/surgery
11.
Pediatr Radiol ; 50(8): 1131-1138, 2020 07.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32358676

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The current staging system of twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) is based on the ultrasound criteria and does not consider the cerebral injury. OBJECTIVE: To assess the incidence of cerebral damage on fetal MRI and correlate abnormal cerebral diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) findings with survival outcome and the ultrasound staging of TTTS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of MRI/DWI of fetal brains and the electronic medical records in monochorionic diamniotic twin gestations. Axial DWI of each fetal brain was performed on 1.5-tesla (T) clinical magnet with b values of 0 s/mm2 and 700 s/mm2. We correlated MRI/DWI abnormalities with the Quintero staging system and survival outcomes of the fetuses. RESULTS: Thirty-four pregnancies (68 fetuses) with 42 fetal cerebral abnormalities were identified by MRI/DWI alone. Of these 42 fetal cerebral abnormalities, 33 fetal brain lesions were visible only on DWI (n=25 donor, n=8 recipients; n=30 unilateral, n=3 bilateral; n=26 diffuse, n=7 focal). Quintero staging in these 34 pregnancies was as follows: 9 Stage I, 7 Stage II, 13 Stage III, 4 Stage IV, 1 Stage V. There was no significant correlation between the presence of cerebral infarction or hemorrhage using MRI/DWI and ultrasound staging (P=0.138). The overall survival rate was 63.2% (43/68). There was a significant correlation between the presence of cerebral infarction or hemorrhage on MRI/DWI and delivery status (P=0.009). CONCLUSION: Abnormal cerebral imaging findings on MRI/DWI from hypoxic-ischemic injury or hemorrhage can be seen at the beginning of the second trimester and do not correlate with the current ultrasound staging system; however, they do correlate with decreased survival. Fetal cerebral abnormalities could be incorporated into the TTTS staging system as an independent risk factor.


Subject(s)
Brain/abnormalities , Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods , Fetofetal Transfusion/diagnostic imaging , Ultrasonography, Prenatal , Female , Fetal Death , Humans , Infant, Newborn , Pregnancy , Pregnancy Outcome , Pregnancy, Twin , Retrospective Studies , Twins, Monozygotic
12.
Pediatr Radiol ; 49(13): 1843-1847, 2019 12.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31384970

ABSTRACT

Sakoda complex is a rare but distinct combination of birth defects consisting of a basal cephalocele, agenesis of the corpus callosum, and midline cleft lip/palate. It has been reported in association with ophthalmologic abnormalities, cognitive deficits and severe epilepsy. Here we describe both prenatal and postnatal MRI findings of a classic case of Sakoda complex in a child with characteristic findings on fetal MRI; prenatal findings have not been described in the literature. Diagnosis of this entity has important implications for prenatal counseling and perinatal management, as is demonstrated in this case.


Subject(s)
Abnormalities, Multiple/diagnostic imaging , Agenesis of Corpus Callosum/diagnostic imaging , Cleft Lip/diagnostic imaging , Cleft Palate/diagnostic imaging , Encephalocele/diagnostic imaging , Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods , Meningocele/diagnostic imaging , Pregnancy Outcome , Ultrasonography, Prenatal/methods , Abnormalities, Multiple/therapy , Adult , Congenital Abnormalities/diagnostic imaging , Female , Follow-Up Studies , Gestational Age , Humans , Pregnancy , Prenatal Diagnosis/methods , Rare Diseases
14.
AJR Am J Roentgenol ; 210(5): 989-997, 2018 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29489402

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Screening the cavum septi pellucidi (CSP), more commonly referred to as the "cavum septum pellucidum," is a required component of the fetal anatomic survey during second-trimester ultrasound (US). The inability to identify the normal appearance of this structure warrants further evaluation because septal insufficiency is associated with multiple brain malformations. In this article, we discuss embryology, normal anatomy, and prenatal evaluation of the CSP as well as the differential diagnosis of associated abnormalities. CONCLUSION: The CSP is an essential part of the CNS evaluation on second-trimester US; if its normal appearance cannot be confirmed by 20 weeks' gestational age, further evaluation is warranted. Fetal MRI, in either the second or third trimester, has become an important tool in further characterization of the associated abnormalities. However, when fetal MRI is not possible, postnatal MRI can also be used and will help to differentiate primary from secondary absence and will aid in providing prognostic information and therapeutic options for patients.


Subject(s)
Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods , Septum Pellucidum/abnormalities , Septum Pellucidum/diagnostic imaging , Diagnosis, Differential , Female , Humans , Pregnancy , Pregnancy Trimester, Second , Pregnancy Trimester, Third , Prenatal Diagnosis , Prognosis , Ultrasonography, Prenatal
15.
AJR Am J Roentgenol ; 211(6): 1376-1380, 2018 12.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30332293

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine differences between patients with myelomeningocele and those with myelocele with respect to brain imaging findings at fetal MRI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A single-center retrospective analysis was performed of fetal MRI examinations revealing open spinal dysraphism from 2004 through 2016 with available diagnostic postnatal spinal MR images in conjunction with neurosurgical follow-up findings. Images were reviewed by two board-certified fellowship-trained pediatric neuroradiologists. Relevant clinical data were recorded. RESULTS: The study included 119 fetal MRI examinations of patients with open spinal dysraphism. Myeloceles were found in 29.4% (35/119) of these examinations and myelomeningoceles in the others. All (35/35) myeloceles showed grade 3 (severe) Chiari II malformations. Only 73.8% (62/84) of myelomeningoceles showed grade 3 Chiari II malformation. Clinically significant spinal kyphosis was found in 5.0% (6/119) of fetuses, and all of these fetuses had grade 3 Chiari II malformations. The size of the spinal dysraphic defect had significant positive correlation with lateral (p < 0.0001) and third (p = 0.006) ventricular size. Mean volume of the myelomeningocele sac was significantly different among Chiari II grades and inversely proportional to Chiari II grade (p = 0.0009). CONCLUSION: Larger spinal dysraphic defects correlated with increased ventricular size at fetal MRI. All of the fetuses with myelocele or kyphosis had severe Chiari II malformations. Larger myelomeningocele sac size was associated with lower grade of Chiari II malformation, suggesting that myelomeningocele sac formation may be protective against hindbrain herniation.


Subject(s)
Fetal Diseases/diagnostic imaging , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Meningomyelocele/diagnostic imaging , Prenatal Diagnosis , Diagnosis, Differential , Female , Humans , Infant, Newborn , Male , Retrospective Studies
16.
Prenat Diagn ; 38(11): 870-875, 2018 10.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30094854

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate rectal meconium signal in fetuses with open spinal dysraphism and correlate findings with postnatal exam. METHODS: This is a single-institution Institutional Review Board-approved Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) compliant retrospective analysis of fetal MRIs of open spinal dysraphism from 2004 to 2016. Fetuses with diagnostic T1-weighted images and postnatal follow-up at our institution were included. RESULTS: A total of 115 fetuses (average gestational age 23.9 ± 3.6 weeks) met inclusion criteria. Of these, 80% (92/115) had T1 hyperintense rectal meconium signal. Average height of the meconium column, measured from the base of the bladder to its most inferior extent, was 9.2 ± 4.3 mm in fetuses ≥20-week gestational age and 11.1 ± 4.4 mm in fetuses ≥23-week gestational age (n = 110) . None had bowel dilation. One of 115 fetuses had a simple form of anorectal malformation allowing complete repair in the neonatal period, but this fetus had a normal meconium column height on fetal MRI of 22 mm. The remaining 23/115 fetuses with lack of normal rectal meconium signal were born without evidence of anorectal malformation. CONCLUSION: Decreased or absent T1-hyperintense rectal meconium signal in fetuses with open spinal dysraphism does not correlate with imperforate anus postnatal and may be a reflection of neurogenic bowel in this patient population.


Subject(s)
Meconium/diagnostic imaging , Rectum/diagnostic imaging , Spina Bifida Cystica/diagnostic imaging , Female , Humans , Pregnancy , Retrospective Studies , Ultrasonography, Prenatal
17.
Pediatr Radiol ; 48(7): 1032-1034, 2018 07.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29541808

ABSTRACT

Fetal ventriculomegaly is a common referral for prenatal MRI, with possible etiologies being hydrocephalus and hydranencephaly. The underlying cause of hydranencephaly is unknown, but many have suggested that the characteristic supratentorial injury is related to idiopathic bilateral occlusions of the internal carotid arteries from an acquired or destructive event. Fowler syndrome is a rare genetic disorder that causes fetal akinesia and a proliferative vasculopathy that can result in an apparent hydranencephaly-hydrocephaly complex. On prenatal imaging, the presence of significant parenchymal loss in the supratentorial and infratentorial brain is a clue to the diagnosis, which should prompt early genetic testing.


Subject(s)
Abnormalities, Multiple/diagnostic imaging , Fetal Diseases/diagnostic imaging , Hydranencephaly/diagnostic imaging , Hydrocephalus/diagnostic imaging , Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods , Prenatal Diagnosis/methods , Abnormalities, Multiple/genetics , Abortion, Induced , Adult , Diagnosis, Differential , Female , Fetal Diseases/genetics , Genetic Testing , Humans , Hydranencephaly/genetics , Hydrocephalus/genetics , Mutation , Pregnancy , Syndrome
18.
Pediatr Crit Care Med ; 18(7): 607-613, 2017 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28498230

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: This study was intended to describe and correlate the neuroimaging findings in pediatric patients after sepsis. DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. SETTING: Single tertiary care PICU. PATIENTS: Patients admitted to Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center with a discharge diagnosis of sepsis or septic shock between 2004 and 2013 were crossmatched with patients who underwent neuroimaging during the same time period. INTERVENTIONS: All neuroimaging studies that occurred during or subsequent to a septic event were reviewed, and all new imaging findings were recorded and classified. As many patients experienced multiple septic events and/or had multiple neuroimaging studies after sepsis, our statistical analysis utilized the most recent or "final" imaging study available for each patient so that only brain imaging findings that persisted were included. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: A total of 389 children with sepsis and 1,705 concurrent or subsequent neuroimaging studies were included in the study. Median age at first septic event was 3.4 years (interquartile range, 0.7-11.5). Median time from first sepsis event to final neuroimaging was 157 days (interquartile range, 10-1,054). The most common indications for final imaging were follow-up (21%), altered mental status (18%), and fever/concern for infection (15%). Sixty-three percentage (n = 243) of final imaging studies demonstrated abnormal findings, the most common of which were volume loss (39%) and MRI signal and/or CT attenuation abnormalities (21%). On multivariable logistic regression, highest Pediatric Risk of Mortality score and presence of oncologic diagnosis/organ transplantation were independently associated with any abnormal final neuroimaging study findings (odds ratio, 1.032; p = 0.048 and odds ratio, 1.632; p = 0.041), although early timing of neuroimaging demonstrated a negative association (odds ratio, 0.606; p = 0.039). The most common abnormal finding of volume loss was independently associated with highest Pediatric Risk of Mortality score (odds ratio, 1.037; p = 0.016) and oncologic diagnosis/organ transplantation (odds ratio, 2.207; p = 0.001) and was negatively associated with early timing of neuroimaging (odds ratio, 0.575; p = 0.037). CONCLUSIONS: The majority of pediatric patients with sepsis and concurrent or subsequent neuroimaging have abnormal neuroimaging findings. The implications of this high incidence for long-term neurologic outcomes and follow-up require further exploration.


Subject(s)
Brain Diseases/diagnostic imaging , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Neuroimaging , Sepsis/complications , Tomography, X-Ray Computed , Brain Diseases/epidemiology , Brain Diseases/etiology , Child , Child, Preschool , Databases, Factual , Female , Humans , Incidence , Infant , Intensive Care Units, Pediatric , Logistic Models , Male , Odds Ratio , Retrospective Studies , Risk Factors
19.
AJR Am J Roentgenol ; 207(6): 1316-1323, 2016 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27610944

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to identify differences in findings between open and closed spinal dysraphisms seen on fetal MR images. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A single-institution retrospective analysis of fetal MR images for spinal dysraphism was performed. Postnatal images and clinical and operative reports were reviewed. RESULTS: Sixteen fetuses with postnatally confirmed closed spinal dysraphisms were included. Of these, 25% (4/16) had posterior fossa anomalies, 12.5% (2/16) had ventriculomegaly, and 37.5% (6/16) had OEIS (omphalocele, exstrophy, imperforate anus, and spinal defects) complex. Of 90 fetuses with postnatally confirmed open spinal dysraphism, 95.6% (86/90) had posterior fossa anomalies, 85.6% (77/90) had ventriculomegaly, and none had OEIS complex. Twenty fetuses with open spinal dysraphism were randomly selected to compare with fetuses with closed spinal dysraphisms. Continuity of the epidermal and subcutaneous tissues with the sac wall on fetal MR images was seen in 93.8% (15/16) of patients with closed spinal dysraphisms, as opposed to 5% (1/20) of patients with open spinal dysraphisms. The mean (± SD) sac wall thickness was less in open (0.7 ± 0.6 mm) than closed (2.9 ± 1.3 mm; p < 0.001) spinal dysraphism. None of the fetuses had T1-hyperintense fat within the defect. CONCLUSION: On fetal MR images, closed spinal dysraphisms tend to have a sac wall in continuity with the epidermal and subcutaneous tissues, a thicker sac wall, fewer posterior fossa anomalies, and high association with OEIS complex.


Subject(s)
Abnormalities, Multiple/diagnostic imaging , Anus, Imperforate/diagnostic imaging , Hernia, Umbilical/diagnostic imaging , Hydrocephalus/diagnostic imaging , Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods , Prenatal Diagnosis/methods , Scoliosis/diagnostic imaging , Spinal Dysraphism/diagnostic imaging , Urogenital Abnormalities/diagnostic imaging , Abnormalities, Multiple/pathology , Anus, Imperforate/pathology , Diagnosis, Differential , Female , Hernia, Umbilical/pathology , Humans , Hydrocephalus/pathology , Male , Retrospective Studies , Scoliosis/pathology , Spinal Dysraphism/epidemiology , Spinal Dysraphism/pathology , Urogenital Abnormalities/pathology
20.
Pediatr Radiol ; 46(1): 145-7, 2016 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26260203

ABSTRACT

Atelencephaly is a rare lethal congenital brain malformation characterized by underdevelopment of the prosencephalon and is often accompanied by the facial features seen in some cases of holoprosencephaly, such as cyclopia. We report a case of atelencephaly in the fetus with characteristic ultrasound findings. In addition, we report the findings on fetal MRI, which have not been previously described in the literature.


Subject(s)
Abnormalities, Multiple/diagnosis , Anencephaly/diagnosis , Image Enhancement/methods , Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods , Prosencephalon/abnormalities , Ultrasonography, Prenatal/methods , Diagnosis, Differential , Echoencephalography/methods , Female , Humans , Male , Prosencephalon/diagnostic imaging
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