Central nervous system (CNS) infections acquired in-utero are a significant cause of fetal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Early detection is crucial for timely therapy, prognostication, and peripartum planning. Fetal imaging plays an important role in diagnosing CNS infection and determining the extent of involvement. It has been of particular diagnostic importance with the current outbreak of Zika virus, a neurotropic virus that can result in severe CNS anomalies. An imaging review of commonly encountered congenital infections, including Zika virus, will be presented, with an emphasis on fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Read More

Meeting name: SPR 2017 Annual Meeting & Categorical Course , 2017

Authors: Smith (garcia) Jacquelyn, Meyers Mariana, Mirsky David

Keywords: Fetal MRI, CNS Infection, Zika Virus

Fetal MRI is now an important adjunct imaging modality in the evaluation of complex fetal anomalies, including cystic renal disease. The improved resolution and anatomic detail of the renal parenchyma offered by MRI can assist with identification, localization, and characterization of cystic lesions which are less clearly visualized on ultrasound. Advanced imaging adds value through enabling prenatal prognostication and patient counseling. In this presentation, we evaluate the spectrum of renal cystic abnormalities at the microscopic and macroscopic scale, and review the patterns of disease by cyst location, effect on parenchymal integrity, and obstruction of the collecting system. A clearer understanding of the diverse appearances and broad spectrum of outcomes of these fetal anomalies can contribute to more detailed treatment planning and more precise, family-centered care. In this presentation, we review the varied patterns of cystic renal disease as identified on fetal MRI, highlighting those forms known to be more associated with perinatal morbidity and mortality. Further, we correlate their appearance on MRI with pre- and post-natal US imaging, as well as pathologic findings. Finally, we will describe secondary prenatal imaging biomarkers that may be valuable in counseling and also with both definitive and palliative surgical planning. Read More

Meeting name: SPR 2019 Annual Meeting & Postgraduate Course , 2019

Authors: Steinhardt Nicole, Meyers Mariana, Brown Brandon

Keywords: MCDK, ARPKD, Lung

Previous studies show that phase contrast MRI (PC-MRI) can successfully measure fetal blood flow in late gestation singleton fetuses. To date there is a paucity of data quantifying fetal blood flow of twin or early gestational age pregnancies (~19 weeks). Twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) is a rare complication of monochorionic pregnancies that is believed to result from inequal flow distribution between fetuses. In this novel investigation, we utilized PC-MRI to investigate fetal aortic flow in early gestational age fetuses with TTTS or selective Intrauterine Growth Restriction (sIUGR). We compared flow distribution between the smaller and larger fetus in each twin pair. Read More

Meeting name: SPR 2020 Annual Meeting & Postgraduate Course , 2020

Authors: Barhaghi Krystle, Schuchardt Eleanor, Schafer Michal, Meyers Mariana, Behrendt Nicholas, Barker Alex, Cuneo Bettina, Friesen Richard, Browne Lorna

Keywords: Fetal MRI, Twins, Phase Contrast MRI