Rana Abhilasha, Mansfield Kori, Radder Shrinivas, Razzaq Sania, Jayappa Sateesh, Charles Glasier, Ramakrishnaiah Raghu, Murphy Janice
Final Pr. ID: Poster #: CR-017
Meroanencephaly is an extremely rare open neural tube under anencephaly spectrum with midline superior calvarial defect, herniation of disorganised brain parenchyma through the defect with deficient overlying skin. Anencephaly has an incidence of 0.1% on antenatal ultrasound, meroanencephaly is even rarer accounting for 3.4% cases of anencephaly. MRI is the modality of choice for complete assessment of meroanencephaly and antenatal ultrasonographic findings should be confirmed with fetal MRI.
A 35-year-old female presented for fetal MRI after suspicion of occipital encephalocele on antenatal ultrasound. MRI showed microcephaly with thin and abnormally shaped calvarium, a midline calvarial defect in the region of vertex with brain parenchyma protruding through the defect and deficient overlying skin covering. Meningeal covering was difficult to assess due to oligohydroamnios and close apposition of skull to uterine wall. There was absence of ventricular system and lack of normal supratentorial and infratentorial anatomical landmarks. Fetal face was normal. Persistent fetal thoracic kyphotic curvature was observed throughout the examination, spinal cord and spinal canal were normal with no spinal dysraphism. No other anomalies were demonstrated.
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Authors: Rana Abhilasha , Mansfield Kori , Radder Shrinivas , Razzaq Sania , Jayappa Sateesh , Charles Glasier , Ramakrishnaiah Raghu , Murphy Janice
Keywords: Fetal Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Brain, Congenital
Rana Abhilasha, Mansfield Kori, Radder Shrinivas, Razzaq Sania, Jayappa Sateesh, Charles Glasier, Ramakrishnaiah Raghu, Murphy Janice
Final Pr. ID: Poster #: EDU-028
Dandy-Walker continuum is a group of posterior-fossa malformations which presents as posterior-fossa cyst with variable degree of vermian hypoplasia on antenatal ultrasound. However, evaluation of posterior fossa is limited on antenatal ultrasound. Fetal MRI provides excellent evaluation of posterior fossa including cerebellar vermis and biometric measurements for accurate characterization of Dandy-Walker Continuum which includes classic Dandy-Walker malformation, Vermian hypoplasia, Blake pouch cyst and Mega cisterna magna (in the order of severity).
In this pictorial review we will provide a step-wise approach for accurate characterization of Dandy-Walker continuum on fetal MRI through various case-based illustrations, biometric measurements (tegmentovermian angle, vermian and lateral ventricle size) and position of 4th ventricle choroid plexus. Associated findings like ventriculomegaly, corpus callosal agenesis, cortical migrational anomalies will also be demonstrated. This will aid pediatric radiologists in providing accurate antenatal diagnosis of Dandy-Walker continuum which is helpful for post-natal management as severe cases require immediate shunting and milder cases require only follow-up.
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Authors: Rana Abhilasha , Mansfield Kori , Radder Shrinivas , Razzaq Sania , Jayappa Sateesh , Charles Glasier , Ramakrishnaiah Raghu , Murphy Janice
Keywords: Fetal Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Dandy-Walker Continuum, Neuroradiology
Kazelka Maryam, Shao Lei, Mcgraw Marty, Neville Kucera Jennifer
Final Pr. ID: Poster #: CR-016
Spindle cell sarcomas are a rare and aggressive type of soft-tissue sarcoma. Although rhabdomyosarcomas are the most common childhood sarcoma, the spindle cell type is incredibly rare. A 25-year-old healthy G2P1001 female presents at 34 weeks gestational age with fetal growth restriction of a male fetus. Prenatal ultrasound showed a complex vascular mass exophytic to the distal spine, with a presumed diagnosis of sacrococcygeal teratoma (SCT). For further characterization, a fetal MRI was performed at 35 weeks gestation, which showed a solid appearing mass exophytic to the pelvis and involving the proximal thigh. Many features of the tumor were atypical for sacrococcygeal teratoma: the mass being more homogenous than expected, lacking cystic components that would normally been seen in a SCT, and involving the thigh but without definite involvement of the spine. It was also noted that the normal T1 meconium signal in the rectum was displaced posteriorly by the mass. At that time, an alternative differential diagnosis was suggested: sarcoma including fibrosarcoma or rhabdomyosarcoma, myofibroma, or less likely atypical sacrococcygeal teratoma. The baby was born via C-section at 37 weeks and 1 day gestation. A postnatal MRI showed the mass exophytic to the pelvis with some intrapelvic extension via the inguinal canal. Lack of spine involvement was confirmed. Signal characteristics of the tumor were similar to that of skeletal muscle, with a few focal areas of internal hemorrhage. The tumor had mass effect on multiple structures: deviating and tethering of the rectum to the right and stretching it inferiorly; displacing the anus posteriorly; uplifting the bladder; and abutting the base of the penis with no clear fat planes. Surgical resection was performed when the baby was 6 days old. Pathology evaluation revealed a sarcoma that was diffusely infiltrative with NTRK reactivity by immunohistochemistry. Molecular studies by next-generation sequencing reported TPM3-NTRK1 fusion in the tumor. Pathology was most suggestive of a spindle-cell sarcoma. It is important for the pediatric radiologist to be familiar with fetal soft tissue tumors to help facilitate family counseling and delivery planning. The radiologist should understand imaging features that may help distinguish more rare soft tissue tumors from sacrococcygeal teratomas. Although an exact diagnosis may not be possible prenatally, a multidisciplinary approach ensures the best possible patient outcomes. Read More
Authors: Kazelka Maryam , Shao Lei , Mcgraw Marty , Neville Kucera Jennifer
Keywords: Sarcomas, Fetal Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Soft Tissue Sarcoma
Gwal Kriti, Malik Archana, Neville Kucera Jennifer, Saul David
Final Pr. ID: Poster #: CR-013
To present an extremely rare case of fetus in fetu which was discovered with prenatal ultrasound and fetal MR. Read More
Authors: Gwal Kriti , Malik Archana , Neville Kucera Jennifer , Saul David
Keywords: Fetal Imaging, Fetal Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Prenatal Imaging
Final Pr. ID: Poster #: EDU-030
The placenta-heart-brain axis plays a central role in fetal growth and neurodevelopment and is increasingly recognized as critical in the congenital heart disease (CHD). Increasing evidence suggests that placental maldevelopment and fetoplacental circulatory abnormalities are associated with impaired cardiac morphogenesis and cerebral injury, which may contribute to neurodevelopmental deficits observed in CHD.
Prenatal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides a comprehensive, noninvasive means to evaluate this axis in vivo. Quantitative placental MRI techniques, including T2* mapping, arterial spin labeling, and diffusion imaging, reveal altered oxygenation, perfusion, and microstructure in CHD pregnancies. Fetal cardiac MRI enables high-resolution assessment of complex cardiac anatomy, ventricular function, and blood flow using motion-robust acquisitions and innovative gating methods. Cerebral MRI further demonstrates structural, metabolic, and connectivity alterations consistent with impaired substrate and oxygen delivery.
Together, these findings highlight prenatal MRI as a powerful tool for understanding how placental and cardiovascular physiology influence brain development in CHD. Integrating placental, cardiac, and cerebral imaging biomarkers could enhance prenatal risk stratification, guide perinatal management, and inform early neuroprotective strategies. Continued technical refinement and longitudinal validation will be essential to achieve clinical translation and improve long-term outcomes.
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Authors: Dong Su-zhen , Zhuo Meng-yuan
Keywords: Fetal Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Rabinowich Aviad, Krajden Haratz Karina, Hiersch Liran, Joskowicz Leo, Ben Sira Liat, Ben Bashat Dafna, Neeman Bar, Elhadad Levi, Graziani Tamir, Khawaja Jayan, Wexler Yair, Vanetik Sharon, Zilberman Ayala, Herzlich Jacky
Final Pr. ID: Poster #: SCI-024
Fetuses who are small for gestational age (SGA) are undernourished and at increased risk of neonatal morbidity. Due to limited nutrient supply, they exhibit a leaner body composition. Fat accretion during late gestation follows a craniocaudal and centripetal pattern, first visible in the cheeks, with the fastest accumulation in the upper limbs. This study aimed to characterize regional variations in fetal fat accretion in SGA compared with appropriate-for-gestational-age (AGA) controls across SGA subgroups by onset (early vs. late) and cerebroplacental ratio (CPR; abnormal vs. normal), and to examine associations with neonatal outcomes. Read More
Authors: Rabinowich Aviad , Krajden Haratz Karina , Hiersch Liran , Joskowicz Leo , Ben Sira Liat , Ben Bashat Dafna , Neeman Bar , Elhadad Levi , Graziani Tamir , Khawaja Jayan , Wexler Yair , Vanetik Sharon , Zilberman Ayala , Herzlich Jacky
Keywords: Fetal Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Fat, Fat Fraction
Santos Luiz, Leite Igor, Fazecas Tatiana, Costa Flavia, Castro Pedro, Daltro Pedro, Werner Heron
Final Pr. ID: Poster #: SCI-029
To compare lung signal intensity between normal fetuses and those with left-sided congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) with liver herniation, evaluating the contralateral (right) lung on T2-weighted MRI. Read More
Authors: Santos Luiz , Leite Igor , Fazecas Tatiana , Costa Flavia , Castro Pedro , Daltro Pedro , Werner Heron
Keywords: Fetal, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Lung
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