Typical lesions in the fetal nervous system: correlations between fetal magnetic resonance imaging and obstetric ultrasonography findings

Central nervous system (CNS) malformations play a role in all fetal malformations. Ultrasonography (US) is the best screening method for identifying fetal CNS malformations. A good echographic study depends on several factors, such as positioning, fetal mobility and growth, the volume of amniotic fluid, the position of the placenta, the maternal wall, the quality of the apparatus, and the sonographer’s experience. Although US is the modality of choice for routine prenatal follow-up because of its low cost, wide availability, safety, good sensitivity, and real-time capability, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is promising for the morphological evaluation of fetuses that otherwise would not be appropriately evaluated using US. The aim of this article is to present correlations of fetal MRI findings with US findings for the major CNS malformations.