Diffusion-weighted imaging in fetuses with severe congenital heart defects

AJNR Am J Neuroradiol. 2011 Feb;32(2):E21-2. doi: 10.3174/ajnr.A1975. Epub 2010 Jan 14.

Abstract

Fetal diffusion MR imaging was performed in 3 fetuses with CHD. ADC values in the periatrial WM, thalamus, and basal ganglia were compared with those in a control population of fetuses. Diffusivity in the periatrial WM and thalamus was higher for the fetuses with CHD compared with controls. These observations support the finding of abnormal in utero brain development in fetuses with CHD.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Agenesis of Corpus Callosum
  • Corpus Callosum / pathology
  • Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
  • Female
  • Fetal Diseases / pathology*
  • Heart Defects, Congenital / complications*
  • Humans
  • Leukoencephalopathies / congenital
  • Leukoencephalopathies / etiology
  • Leukoencephalopathies / pathology*
  • Pregnancy
  • Prenatal Diagnosis / methods
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Thalamus / abnormalities*
  • Thalamus / pathology