Edwards Harriet, Mir Malaikah, Mcpartland Jo
Final Pr. ID: Poster #: EDU-028
Post mortem imaging provides non-invasive diagnostic insight into investigating fetal loss, complementing conventional examination. When post mortem examination of the brain is limited, post mortem MRI (PM MRI) can help further evaluate intracranial abnormalities not identified antenatally or via pathology.
We present PM MRI from a small cohort of cases acquired following initiation of a post mortem imaging service at our tertiary children’s hospital in the UK, demonstrating the value of this modality in comparison to antenatal ultrasound (US), and its concordance with formal pathological examination.
Illustrating both PM MRI and pathological findings from each case, we aim to (1) review the current guidance for post mortem MR imaging of fetuses in Europe and America, (2) highlight the importance of gestational age, weight and condition of the fetus when considering the best imaging modality, (3) compare images and sequences from both 1.5Tesla and 3Tesla MRI strength scanners and consider their diagnostic value, (4) showcase the most common PM MRI intracranial findings and (5) prove positive concordance with and diagnostic value to formal pathological investigations.
Following review, we hope the reader will have the knowledge and increased confidence to implement a post mortem MRI imaging service at their institution, recognising the value it can add to formal pathology examinations and subsequent diagnoses. Radiology-pathology relations and synergy give further opportunity to understand causes of fetal death, which is critical to helping grieving families and counsel those considering future pregnancy.
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Authors: Edwards Harriet , Mir Malaikah , Mcpartland Jo
Keywords: Postmortem, Perinatal, Fetal Brain MRI
Rebollo Polo Monica, Planas Roman Silvia, Nadal Alfons, Perez Cruz Miriam, Eixarch Roca Elisenda, Planells Mariana, Gómez-chiari Marta
Final Pr. ID: Poster #: EDU-025
The growing body of evidence linking placental physiology and brain development has led to the emergence of a new field coined “neuroplacentology” Disease processes affecting the placenta can have a major influence on overall fetal circulatory function and specifically blood flow to the CNS. In addition, the placenta also plays an important role as an endocrine and immune protective organ.
The aim of this review is to describe the main abnormal placental phenotypes according to the 2016 Amsterdam pathological classification and the role of abnormal placenta in neurodevelopmental disorders.
The placenta-mediated mechanisms of perinatal brain injury are varied, ranging from poor protection to hypoxia.
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Authors: Rebollo Polo Monica , Planas Roman Silvia , Nadal Alfons , Perez Cruz Miriam , Eixarch Roca Elisenda , Planells Mariana , Gómez-chiari Marta
Gómez-chiari Marta, Rebollo Polo Monica, Planells Mariana, San Roman Luis, Eixarch Roca Elisenda, Perez Cruz Miriam, Fons Estupiña Maria Del Carmen, Agut Quijano Thais, Gonzalez Sandoval Lenia, Blasco Sola Gerard
Final Pr. ID: Poster #: EDU-026
Fetal central nervous system (CNS) vascular malformations are rare, complex lesions requiring a structured, multidisciplinary approach. Fetal Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) plays a pivotal role in lesion characterization, prognostic assessment, and perinatal planning.
This educational exhibit presents four representative entities—superior sagittal sinus thrombosis (SSST), vein of Galen malformation (VOGM), pial arteriovenous fistula (PAVF), and dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF)—to illustrate a systematic MRI-based evaluation model integrating anatomic, hemodynamic, and prognostic data.
A vascular evaluation checklist is proposed for consistent interpretation, including:
Identification of abnormal arteriovenous connections (pial vs dural) and the presence or absence of a nidus.
Assessment of arterial feeders for hypertrophy or flow steal.
Evaluation of venous drainage patterns, sinus thrombosis, or aneurysmal venous dilation.
A prognostic checklist complements this approach, focusing on biomarkers of adverse outcome: parenchymal volume loss, white matter abnormalities (including Wallerian degeneration), irregular cortical contour, ventriculomegaly, intracranial hemorrhage, and signs of cardiac overload. In VOGM, a straight or falcine sinus diameter >7 mm identifies high-risk neonates requiring early intervention.
Dedicated fetal vascular MRI sequences—notably 3D time-of-flight (TOF) and angiographic/venographic acquisitions—are crucial for delineating arterial feeders, draining sinuses, and confirming arterialized flow. These sequences improve risk stratification, particularly in high-flow lesions such as VOGM and PAVF, where early recognition of parenchymal injury and hemodynamic impact is essential.
Finally, the integration of genetic testing (e.g., EPHB4, RASA1, ENG, COL4A1/2) refines classification, guides counseling, and identifies syndromic associations.
Overall, combining a structured MRI checklist with prognostic and genetic assessment enables accurate diagnosis, meaningful prenatal counseling, and standardized multidisciplinary management of fetal neurovascular malformations.
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Authors: Gómez-chiari Marta , Rebollo Polo Monica , Planells Mariana , San Roman Luis , Eixarch Roca Elisenda , Perez Cruz Miriam , Fons Estupiña Maria Del Carmen , Agut Quijano Thais , Gonzalez Sandoval Lenia , Blasco Sola Gerard
Keywords: Vascular Malformations, Vascular Imaging, Fetal Brain MRI
Cortes Albornoz Maria, Calixto Camilo, Bedoya M. Alejandra, Jaimes Camilo
Final Pr. ID: Poster #: EDU-068
There is a widespread lack of familiarity with the normal appearance of the fetal brain in the early second trimester (12-18 weeks), particularly in MRI. Interpreting these images is challenging because of the continuous fetal motion, small size of structures, and immature appearance of the brain. This educational exhibit aims to increase awareness of the appearance of the fetal brain between 12- and 18-weeks gestation by presenting images of normal fetuses and establishing a correlation with same day ultrasound. All fetuses included in this exhibit were proven to have normal brains on late gestation fetal and/or post-natal brain MRI.
After viewing this exhibit the reader will (1) recognize the normal appearance of the brain in the early second trimester, (2) understand the specific developmental trajectories of major structures (ventricles, corpus callosum, etc…), (3) establish a correlation between the sonographic appearance and the fetal MRI.
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Authors: Cortes Albornoz Maria , Calixto Camilo , Bedoya M. Alejandra , Jaimes Camilo
Vázquez Elida, Delgado Ignacio, Sanchez-montañez Angel, Escudero Jose, Gómez David, Riera Luis
Final Pr. ID: Poster #: EDU-027
Tubulins are a component of microtubules, which are critical to the processes of mitosis, axon navigation, and neuron migration, all key factors in brain development. Mutations in tubulin genes can alter the normal function and structure of microtubules, leading to complex disorders of brain development and brain malformations. Disorders of microtubules formation affect multiple aspects of brain development, resulting in multiple malformations that can be recognized on cranial MRI. A significant characteristic is the wide spectrum of severity, from severe forms often present at birth to milder conditions, sometimes seen in asymptomatic parents of affected individuals.
The purpose of this educational poster is to present the main postnatal and prenatal MRI patterns that can help to suspect a tubulinopathy and guide subsequent genetic testing for confirmation.
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Authors: Vázquez Elida , Delgado Ignacio , Sanchez-montañez Angel , Escudero Jose , Gómez David , Riera Luis
Keywords: Fetal Brain MRI, Genetics, Central Nervous System
Prasher Sparsh, Maniyar Amit, Wigmore Edward, Harris Debra
Final Pr. ID: Poster #: EDU-031
Posterior fossa abnormalities are among the most complex and diagnostically challenging findings on foetal MRI. They encompass a wide spectrum of malformations of the cerebellum, brainstem, and fourth ventricle, with variable prognostic implications. Accurate prenatal characterisation is essential for counselling parents, genetic testing and perinatal planning. In this poster we aim to provide a structured, reproducible framework for evaluating foetal posterior fossa abnormalities. A total of 1,400 foetal brain MRI examinations performed over eight years at a tertiary referral centre have been reviewed, identifying all cases with posterior fossa abnormalities. Images were analysed for vermian morphology, cerebellar hemispheric development, fourth ventricular configuration, brainstem integrity, and associated syndromic features. Posterior fossa abnormalities were stratified into five categories: Cerebellar vermis and fourth ventricle malformations, including the recent insights into Dandy–Walker spectrum, Blake’s pouch cyst, isolated vermian hypoplasia, and mega cisterna magna; Cerebellar hemispheric anomalies, such as unilateral/bilateral hypoplasia and cerebellar dysplasia as well as rhombencephalosynapsis; Midbrain–hindbrain junction disorders, including Joubert syndrome and related disorders, and pontocerebellar hypoplasia; Cystic or acquired lesions, including arachnoid cysts and post-ischemic/post-hemorrhagic cystic changes; Syndromic or complex malformations, including Walker–Warburg spectrum and tubulinopathies. The poster highlights refined Dandy–Walker criteria, including inferior-predominant vermian hypoplasia, enlarged tegmentovermian and fastigial recess angles, and inferolateral displacement of the tela choroidea and choroid plexus, distinguishing it from Blake’s pouch cyst and mega cisterna magna. This review illustrates the full spectrum of fetal posterior fossa abnormalities. Annotated MRI cases, schematic diagrams, and a stepwise diagnostic algorithm are provided to enhance interpretative accuracy, reporting consistency, and prenatal counselling. Read More
Authors: Prasher Sparsh , Maniyar Amit , Wigmore Edward , Harris Debra
Keywords: Fetal Brain MRI, Fetal Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Posterior Fossa
Llorens-salvador Roberto, Veiga-canuto Diana
Final Pr. ID: Poster #: EDU-026
The fetal ganglionic eminence (GE) is a transient structure in the developing human brain, playing a crucial role in the formation of the cerebral cortex and other critical brain regions. The GE is primarily responsible for the production of GABAergic interneurons, which are essential for the proper functioning of the cerebral cortex.
Understanding its anatomy and pathology is essential for identifying potential developmental disorders that may arise during prenatal life.
Fetal MRI has emerged as a powerful tool in the assessment of brain development, offering high-resolution images that can reveal subtle changes in the anatomy of the GE.
Through the use of fetal MRI radiologists can identify various alterations in the GE, such as cystic cavitations, enlargement, and other morphological changes that may indicate serious malformations in brain development, such as hemimegalencephaly or other cortical malformations. One of the significant advantages of fetal MRI is its ability to provide a comprehensive view of the fetal brain, enabling the identification of not only the GE but also its relationship with surrounding structures such as the lateral ventricles or the thalamus, which can further complicate the clinical picture.
By utilizing fetal MRI to study the GE, it becomes possible to detect these disruptions early in gestation, potentially allowing for timely interventions and better parental counseling.
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Authors: Llorens-salvador Roberto , Veiga-canuto Diana
Keywords: Malformation, Fetal Brain MRI, Congenital