Diagnostic Impact of Fetal MRI in 556 Fetuses: Where It Adds Value Beyond Ultrasound

Emiralioğlu Çakır Z., Golbasi H., Torun R., Sağlam C., Gercik Arzık İ., Ankara Aktaş H., ...Daha Fazla

Journal of Clinical Medicine, cilt.14, sa.19, 2025 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 14 Sayı: 19
  • Basım Tarihi: 2025
  • Doi Numarası: 10.3390/jcm14196690
  • Dergi Adı: Journal of Clinical Medicine
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, Directory of Open Access Journals
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: fetal MRI, prenatal ultrasound, diagnostic concordance, fetal anomalies, CNS anomalies, non-CNS anomalies, gastrointestinal anomalies, diagnostic yield
  • Dokuz Eylül Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the diagnostic contribution of fetal MRI across different anatomical systems and evaluate its added value beyond prenatal ultrasonography. Methods: This retrospective cohort included 556 fetuses who underwent both prenatal ultrasound and fetal MRI in a single tertiary center. Cases were classified by anatomical system. The concordance between ultrasound and MRI findings, as well as additional or ruled-out findings identified by MRI, was analyzed. Statistical significance and clinical relevance were also evaluated. Results: Among the 556 cases, complete concordance between ultrasound and MRI findings was observed in 48.9%. MRI ruled out the initial diagnosis in 20.1% and revealed additional findings in 32% of cases. A total of 192 additional findings were identified, while 115 previously suspected anomalies were ruled out. The highest diagnostic contribution was observed in central nervous system (CNS) and gastrointestinal system (GIS) anomalies. Posterior fossa abnormalities and cystic or mass lesions were frequently detected as additional findings on MRI. In contrast, ultrasound alone was generally sufficient for evaluating genitourinary (GUS), thoracic, and vertebral anomalies. The overall diagnostic yield of MRI was higher in anatomically complex or sonographically ambiguous cases. Conclusions: Fetal MRI provides significant additional diagnostic value, particularly in CNS and GIS anomalies, by detecting additional findings, clarifying uncertain diagnoses, or excluding suspected anomalies. Its selective use may enhance both prenatal counseling and postnatal management.