Prenatal neuroimaging diagnosis

Abstract

Diagnostic imaging technology plays an important role in the prenatal diagnosis of fetal diseases. In addition to the conventional ultrasound technology of two-dimensional imaging, color/power Doppler and pulsed Doppler, and the development of a high-frequency transvaginal transducer have contributed to establishing new fields of sonoembryology and neurosonography. Embryology in vivo and neuropathophysiology in utero have enabled us to comprehend living models not preserved specimens. The recent remarkable improvement of three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound has enabled us to evaluate fetal superficial appearance, bony structure, intraorgan structure on three orthogonal views, angioarchitectonics and longitudinal volume changes of any lesions. Furthermore, four-dimensional (4D) ultrasound technology demonstrates real time fetal movements in utero, and fetal neurobehavior have been clarified from early fetal stage. By the use of these various 3D/4D non-invasive technologies, prenatal neuroimaging has provided more accurate, objective and comprehensive information before birth and the natural history of normal central nervous system (CNS) development and the morphological changing process of CNS malformation have been gradually revealed. The increasing objectivity and accuracy of prenatal neuroimaging has greatly contributed to the precise diagnosis of fetal CNS diseases, planning obstetrical and/or postnatal management, as well as leading fetal parents to better understanding and acceptance of their child's diseases.