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. Read More

Meeting name: SPR 2026 Annual Meeting , 2026

Authors: Rebollo Polo Monica, Planas Roman Silvia, Nadal Alfons, Perez Cruz Miriam, Eixarch Roca Elisenda, Planells Mariana, Gómez-chiari Marta

Keywords: Placenta, Fetal Brain MRI, IVIM

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. Read More

Meeting name: SPR 2026 Annual Meeting , 2026

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