Work

Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Kinked Fetal Brain Stem

Year: 2005

Type: article

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) allows visualization of the fetal brain stem in a manner not previously possible. A "kinked" brain stem is a sign of severe neurodysgenesis. The purpose of this series was to describe cases of a kinked brain stem detected on prenatal MRI and to discuss the possible genetic and syndromic etiologies. METHODS: Seven cases of a kinked brain stem on fetal MRI (gestational age range, 18-34 weeks) were reviewed and correlated with other clinical, genetic, imaging, and autopsy findings. RESULTS: In all cases, there was associated cerebellar hypogenesis. Additional findings were ventriculomegaly (4 cases), cerebral hypogenesis (3 cases), microcephaly (4 cases), schizencephaly (1 case), cephalocele (1 case), hypogenesis of the corpus callosum (1 case), and hydrocephalus (1 case). In 2 cases, prenatal sonography misidentified the kinked brain stem as the cerebellum. CONCLUSIONS: A kinked brain stem is an indicator of severe neurodysgenesis arising early in gestation. Magnetic resonance imaging provides the necessary resolution to detect this sign and delineate any associated anomalies in utero to assist with further genetic evaluation, management, and counseling.

Source: Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine

DOI: 10.7863/jum.2005.24.12.1697

Authors: Annemarie Stroustrup Smith, Deborah Levine, Patrick D. Barnes, Richard L. Robertson

Institutions: Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Lucile Packard Children's Hospital, Boston Children's Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Fetal and Pediatric Neurological Disorders

Subfield: Pediatrics, Perinatology and Child Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funders: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering