Diagnostic Accuracy of Ultrasonography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Detection of Fetal Anomalies

Abstract
Background: Three dimensional ultrasound is the standard modality used for the imaging of the fetus. It is widely available, easy to apply, cost-effective, safe for the fetus and allows real-time imaging. MR imaging is an alternative modality that uses no ionizing radiation, has excellent tissue contrast and a large field of view, is not limited by obesity or overlying bone, and can image the fetus in multiple planes, no matter the fetal lie. This study was carried out on 40 patients which have been suspected by 2D ultrasound as having fetal malformations. Post-natal evaluation was done by both imaging (2D ultrasound and X-ray) and clinical examination, it was a criterion for our study to compare the accuracy of 3D ultrasonography and MR imaging in diagnosis of fetal malformations.
Aim of Study: To compare the precision and accuracy of 3D ultrasonography and MR imaging in diagnosis of fetal malformations and correlate their results with the postnatal findings.
Patients and Methods: This prospective study included fourty (40) pregnant female patients which have been suspected by 2D ultrasound as having fetal malformations.
Results: We have found that 7 cases of all patients were diagnosed as normal with no any congenital anomalies which represented 18% of all cases and 33 of those cases were diagnosed as abnormal cases who were clearly demonstrated congenital anomalies which represented 82% of all cases as suggested by MRI findings, however the results we have by 3D US were 6 cases who were diagnosed as normal which represented about 15% and 34 cases were diagnosed as ab-normal cases which represented about 85% of all cases.
According to the postnatal final diagnosis which diagnosed by imaging or clinical examination, we have found that 8 cases from 40 cases were diagnosed as normal and 32 cases from 40 cases were diagnosed as abnormal.
Conclusion: MR imaging as an adjunct to prenatal 3D US may provide valuable information that could add to the prenatal evaluation and treatment of some fetal anomalies, particularly those involving the central nervous system.