Study Recommends Additional MR Exam for Fetal Brain Abnormalities
By MedImaging International staff writers Posted on 20 Dec 2016 |
Image: An example of a fetal Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan (Photo courtesy of Action Medical Research).
Researchers have found that potential brain abnormalities discovered in a routine mid-pregnancy ultrasound scan, can be diagnosed accurately using an additional MRI scan.
The study included 570 pregnant women who had undergone an ultrasound scan between weeks 18 and 21 of their pregnancy that showed a possible brain abnormality in the baby. Nearly 93% of the extra Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans that were carried out within two weeks of the initial ultrasound scan were correct, and increased the accuracy of the diagnosis. In the case of pregnant women who underwent only the mid-pregnancy ultrasound scan the accuracy rate was only 68%. In nearly half the cases (49%) the MRI scan provided additional information about the brain abnormality.
The study was published in the December 14, 2016, online issue of the journal Lancet. To confirm the accuracy of the scans, the babies were scanned again after birth. The additional certainty provided by the MRI scan enabled the clinicians to arrive at a more accurate diagnosis, and provide better advice to the parents of the babies.
Lead author of the study, professor Paul Griffiths, the University of Sheffield (Sheffield, UK), said, "This study is the first of its kind and has shown that adding an MRI scan when a problem is detected provides additional information to support parents making decisions about their pregnancy. Based on our findings we propose that an MRI scan should be given in any pregnancy where the foetus may have a suspected brain abnormality."
Related Links:
University of Sheffield
The study included 570 pregnant women who had undergone an ultrasound scan between weeks 18 and 21 of their pregnancy that showed a possible brain abnormality in the baby. Nearly 93% of the extra Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans that were carried out within two weeks of the initial ultrasound scan were correct, and increased the accuracy of the diagnosis. In the case of pregnant women who underwent only the mid-pregnancy ultrasound scan the accuracy rate was only 68%. In nearly half the cases (49%) the MRI scan provided additional information about the brain abnormality.
The study was published in the December 14, 2016, online issue of the journal Lancet. To confirm the accuracy of the scans, the babies were scanned again after birth. The additional certainty provided by the MRI scan enabled the clinicians to arrive at a more accurate diagnosis, and provide better advice to the parents of the babies.
Lead author of the study, professor Paul Griffiths, the University of Sheffield (Sheffield, UK), said, "This study is the first of its kind and has shown that adding an MRI scan when a problem is detected provides additional information to support parents making decisions about their pregnancy. Based on our findings we propose that an MRI scan should be given in any pregnancy where the foetus may have a suspected brain abnormality."
Related Links:
University of Sheffield
Latest MRI News
- World's First Sensor Detects Errors in MRI Scans Using Laser Light and Gas
- Diamond Dust Could Offer New Contrast Agent Option for Future MRI Scans
- Combining MRI with PSA Testing Improves Clinical Outcomes for Prostate Cancer Patients
- PET/MRI Improves Diagnostic Accuracy for Prostate Cancer Patients
- Next Generation MR-Guided Focused Ultrasound Ushers In Future of Incisionless Neurosurgery
- Two-Part MRI Scan Detects Prostate Cancer More Quickly without Compromising Diagnostic Quality
- World’s Most Powerful MRI Machine Images Living Brain with Unrivaled Clarity
- New Whole-Body Imaging Technology Makes It Possible to View Inflammation on MRI Scan
- Combining Prostate MRI with Blood Test Can Avoid Unnecessary Prostate Biopsies
- New Treatment Combines MRI and Ultrasound to Control Prostate Cancer without Serious Side Effects
- MRI Improves Diagnosis and Treatment of Prostate Cancer
- Combined PET-MRI Scan Improves Treatment for Early Breast Cancer Patients
- 4D MRI Could Improve Clinical Assessment of Heart Blood Flow Abnormalities
- MRI-Guided Focused Ultrasound Therapy Shows Promise in Treating Prostate Cancer
- AI-Based MRI Tool Outperforms Current Brain Tumor Diagnosis Methods
- DW-MRI Lights up Small Ovarian Lesions like Light Bulbs