The Role of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Diagnosis of Fetal Malformations

Even if ultrasonography still remains the primary prenatal investigation technique for the assessment of fetal development, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) plays an important role for the study of fetal morphology and pathology. MRI has been shown to be particularly useful for the evaluation of the central nervous system (CNS), the latter being a common site of pathology such as cerebral and spinal malformations. MRI is contributive in defining fetal neck, thoracic, abdominal, and pelvic masses. This can be especially helpful when differing opinions exists as to the etiology of a mass. Ultrasonography, a non invasive, low cost, real time technique, still represents the investigation of choice in prenatal screening, not only regarding the CNS. Nevertheless several cases need a diagnostic complement by means of MRI, that increases the diagnostic potential of ultrasound . The additional information from MRI is important in prenatal counseling, delivery planning and planning for pre- or postnatal intervention.