Skip to main content

Acquired Brain Pathology

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Fetal MRI

Part of the book series: Medical Radiology ((Med Radiol Diagn Imaging))

  • 2577 Accesses

Abstract

Acute brain injury is rarely seen, but salient features include acute hemorrhage, thrombosis, and localized or general edema. Findings are rarely specific with regard to etiology. In addition to maternal disease, risk factors for acquired brain lesions include disorders of the placenta and/or umbilical cord, exposure to toxic agents, metabolic disease, iatrogenic hazards, fetal cardiovascular disease, and space-occupying lesions. Most often, defective stages are found, characterized by local or diffuse tissue loss, and/or hemorrhagic residuals, and/or calcification. In order to describe an acquired lesion most accurately, in addition to T2-weighted sequences, T1-weighted, diffusion-weighted, and echoplanar (or T2*) information is necessary. In case of suspected infection, the whole fetus and the extrafetal structures must be screened for pathological changes.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 189.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 249.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 329.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  • Abboud P, Mansour G, Lebrun JM, Zejli A, Bock S, Lepori M, Morville P (2001) Acute carbon monoxide poisoning during pregnancy: 2 cases with different neonatal outcome. J Gynecol Obstet Biol Reprod (Paris) 30:708–711

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Abdel-Salam GM, Zaki MS, Saleem SN, Gaber KR (2008) Microcephaly, malformation of brain development and intracranial calcification in sibs: pseudo-TORCH or a new syndrome. Am J Med Genet A 146A:2929–2936

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Al-Khan A, Caligiuri A, Apuzzio J (2003) Parvovirus B-19 infection during pregnancy. Infect Dis Obstet Gynecol 11:175–179

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Asenbaum U, Brugger PC, Kasprian G, Ulm B, Messerschmidt A, Prayer D (2009) MRI of fetal intracerebral hemorrhage. Neuroradiology 51:51

    Google Scholar 

  • Auriti C, Piersigilli F, De Gasperis MR, Seganti G (2009) Congenital varicella syndrome: still a problem? Fetal Diagn Ther 25:224–229

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Baldoli C, Righini A, Parazzini C, Scotti G, Triulzi F (2002) Demonstration of acute ischemic lesions in the fetal brain by diffusion magnetic resonance imaging. Ann Neurol 52:243–246

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Barbu D, Mert I, Kruger M, Bahado-Singh RO (2009) Evidence of fetal central nervous system injury in isolated congenital heart defects: microcephaly at birth. Am J Obstet Gynecol 201(43):e41–47

    Google Scholar 

  • Barkovich AJ (2005) Pediatric neuroimaging. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Philadelphia

    Google Scholar 

  • Barkovich AJ, Girard N (2003) Fetal brain infections. Childs Nerv Syst 19:501–507

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bauder F, Beinder E, Arlettaz R, Albisetti M, Boltshauser E, Gessler P (2009) Intrauterine subdural hemorrhage in a preterm neonate possibly associated with maternal low-molecular weight heparin treatment. J Perinatol 29:521–523

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Beltinger C, Saule H (1988) Sonography of subependymal cysts in congenital rubella syndrome. Eur J Pediatr 148:206–207

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Brugger PC, Stuhr F, Lindner C, Prayer D (2006) Methods of fetal MR: beyond T2-weighted imaging. Eur J Radiol 57:172–181

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Carletti A, Colleoni GG, Perolo A, Simonazzi G, Ghi T, Rizzo N, Pilu G (2009) Prenatal diagnosis of cerebral lesions acquired in utero and with a late appearance. Prenat Diagn 29:389–395

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Chang CL, Chiu NC, Ho CS, Li ST (2006) Frontal horn cysts in normal neonates. Brain Dev 28:426–430

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • de Vries LS, Gunardi H, Barth PG, Bok LA, Verboon-Maciolek MA, Groenendaal F (2004) The spectrum of cranial ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging abnormalities in congenital cytomegalovirus infection. Neuropediatrics 35:113–119

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Degani S (2006) Sonographic findings in fetal viral infections: a systematic review. Obstet Gynecol Surv 61:329–336

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Derauf C, Kekatpure M, Neyzi N, Lester B, Kosofsky B (2009) Neuroimaging of children following prenatal drug exposure. Semin Cell Dev Biol 20:441–454

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Doneda C, Parazzini C, Righini A, Rustico M, Tassis B, Fabbri E, Arrigoni F, Consonni D, Triulzi F (2010) Early cerebral lesions in cytomegalovirus infection: prenatal MR imaging. Radiology 255:613–621

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Downer EJ, Campbell VA (2010) Phytocannabinoids, CNS cells and development: a dead issue? Drug Alcohol Rev 29:91–98

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Duin LK, Willekes C, Baldewijns MM, Robben SG, Offermans J, Vles J (2007) Major brain lesions by intrauterine herpes simplex virus infection: MRI contribution. Prenat Diagn 27:81–84

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Enders M, Weidner A, Zoellner I, Searle K, Enders G (2004) Fetal morbidity and mortality after acute human parvovirus B19 infection in pregnancy: prospective evaluation of 1018 cases. Prenat Diagn 24:513–518

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Engman ML, Lewensohn-Fuchs I, Mosskin M, Malm G (2010) Congenital cytomegalovirus infection: the impact of cerebral cortical malformations. Acta Paediatr 99(9):1344–1349

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Fichera A, Zambolo C, Accorsi P, Martelli P, Ambrosi C, Frusca T (2009) Perinatal outcome and neurological follow up of the cotwins in twin pregnancies complicated by single intrauterine death. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 147:37–40

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Fryer SL, Schweinsburg BC, Bjorkquist OA, Frank LR, Mattson SN, Spadoni AD, Riley EP (2009) Characterization of white matter microstructure in fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 33:514–521

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Gaffney G, Squier MV, Johnson A, Flavell V, Sellers S (1994) Clinical associations of prenatal ischaemic white matter injury. Arch Dis Child Fetal Neonatal Ed 70:F101–106

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Garel C, Delezoide AL, Elmaleh-Berges M, Menez F, Fallet-Bianco C, Vuillard E, Luton D, Oury JF, Sebag G (2004) Contribution of fetal MR imaging in the evaluation of cerebral ischemic lesions. Am J Neuroradiol 25:1563–1568

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Girard N, Gire C, Sigaudy S, Porcu G, d’Ercole C, Figarella-Branger D, Raybaud C, Confort-Gouny S (2003) MR imaging of acquired fetal brain disorders. Childs Nerv Syst 19:490–500

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Glenn OA, Bianco K, Barkovich AJ, Callen PW, Parer JT (2007) Fetal cerebellar hemorrhage in parvovirus-associated non-immune hydrops fetalis. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 20:769–772

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Gotsch F, Romero R, Kusanovic JP, Mazaki-Tovi S, Pineles BL, Erez O, Espinoza J, Hassan SS (2007) The fetal inflammatory response syndrome. Clin Obstet Gynecol 50:652–683

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Govaert P (2009) Prenatal stroke. Semin Fetal Neonatal Med 14:250–266

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Guibaud L, Attia-Sobol J, Buenerd A, Foray P, Jacquet C, Champion F, Arnould P, Pracros JP, Golfier F (2004) Focal sonographic periventricular pattern associated with mild ventriculomegaly in foetal cytomegalic infection revealing cytomegalic encephalitis in the third trimester of pregnancy. Prenat Diagn 24:727–732

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Guimiot F, Garel C, Fallet-Bianco C, Menez F, Khung-Savatovsky S, Oury JF, Sebag G, Delezoide AL (2008) Contribution of diffusion-weighted imaging in the evaluation of diffuse white matter ischemic lesions in fetuses: correlations with fetopathologic findings. Am J Neuroradiol 29:110–115

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Isaacs H (2009) Fetal brain tumors: a review of 154 cases. Am J Perinatol 26:453–466

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Johansson PA, Dziegielewska KM, Liddelow SA, Saunders NR (2008) The blood-CSF barrier explained: when development is not immaturity. Bioessays 30:237–248

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kang BK, Na DG, Ryoo JW, Byun HS, Roh HG, Pyeun YS (2001) Diffusion-weighted MR imaging of intracerebral hemorrhage. Korean J Radiol 2:183–191

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kasprian G, Brugger PC, Weber M, Krssak M, Krampl E, Herold C, Prayer D (2008) In utero tractography of fetal white matter development. Neuroimage 43:213–224

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Laure-Kamionowska M, Dambska M (1992) Damage of maturing brain in the course of toxoplasmic encephalitis. Neuropatol Pol 30:307–314

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Laurichesse Delmas H, Winer N, Gallot D, Lopes K, Perrotin F, Fluncker S, Geissler F, Beaufrere AM, Vendittelli F, Couture C, Lemery D (2008) Prenatal diagnosis of thrombosis of the dural sinuses: report of six cases, review of the literature and suggested management. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 32:188–198

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Leventer RJ, Jansen A, Pilz DT, Stoodley N, Marini C, Dubeau F, Malone J, Mitchell LA, Mandelstam S, Scheffer IE, Berkovic SF, Andermann F, Andermann E, Guerrini R, Dobyns WB (2010) Clinical and imaging heterogeneity of polymicrogyria: a study of 328 patients. Brain 133:1415–1427

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Levitsky DB, Mack LA, Nyberg DA, Shurtleff DB, Shields LA, Nghiem HV, Cyr DR (1995) Fetal aqueductal stenosis diagnosed sonographically: how grave is the prognosis? Am J Roentgenol 164:725–730

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Limperopoulos C (2009) Disorders of the fetal circulation and the fetal brain. Clin Perinatol 36:561–577

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Limperopoulos C, Tworetzky W, McElhinney DB, Newburger JW, Brown DW, Robertson RL Jr, Guizard N, McGrath E, Geva J, Annese D, Dunbar-Masterson C, Trainor B, Laussen PC, du Plessis AJ (2010) Brain volume and metabolism in fetuses with congenital heart disease: evaluation with quantitative magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy. Circulation 121:26–33

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Makhoul IR, Zmora O, Tamir A, Shahar E, Sujov P (2001) Congenital subependymal pseudocysts: own data and meta-analysis of the literature. Isr Med Assoc J 3:178–183

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Malinger G, Lev D, Ben Sira L, Kidron D, Tamarkin M, Lerman-Sagie T (2002) Congenital periventricular pseudocysts: prenatal sonographic appearance and clinical implications. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 20:447–451

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • McQuillen PS, Miller SP (2010) Congenital heart disease and brain development. Ann NY Acad Sci 1184:68–86

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Messerschmidt A, Brugger PC, Boltshauser E, Zoder G, Sterniste W, Birnbacher R, Prayer D (2005) Disruption of cerebellar development: potential complication of extreme prematurity. Am J Neuroradiol 26:1659–1667

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Mets MB, Chhabra MS (2008) Eye manifestations of intrauterine infections and their impact on childhood blindness. Surv Ophthalmol 53:95–111

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Mlczoch E, Brugger PC, Hanslik A, Ulm B, Salzer-Muhar U, Pollak A, Prayer D (2010) Prenatal brain pathology in congenital heart disease - does oxygen saturation of cerebral blood influence its occurrence? Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 35:627–635

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mochel F, Grebille AG, Benachi A, Martinovic J, Razavi F, Rabier D, Simon I, Boddaert N, Brunelle F, Sonigo P (2006) Contribution of fetal MR imaging in the prenatal diagnosis of Zellweger syndrome. Am J Neuroradiol 27:333–336

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Nelson KB (2008) Causative factors in cerebral palsy. Clin Obstet Gynecol 51:749–762

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Nissenkorn A, Michelson M, Ben-Zeev B, Lerman-Sagie T (2001) Inborn errors of metabolism: a cause of abnormal brain development. Neurology 56:1265–1272

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Nomura ML, Barini R, De Andrade KC, Milanez H, Simoni RZ, Peralta CF, Machado IN, Zambelli H, Maio KT (2009) Congenital hydrocephalus: gestational and neonatal outcomes. Arch Gynecol Obstet 282:607–611

    Google Scholar 

  • Oboh AE, Orsi NM, Campbell J (2006) Amniotic fluid cytokine profile in association with fetal hyperechogenic bowel. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 128:86–90

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Oi S (2003) Diagnosis, outcome, and management of fetal abnormalities: fetal hydrocephalus. Childs Nerv Syst 19:508–516

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ozanne A, Alvarez H, Krings T, Lasjaunias P (2007) Pediatric neurovascular malformations: vein of Galen arteriovenous malformations (VGAM), pial arteriovenous malformations (pial AVM), dural sinus malformations (DSM). J Neuroradiol 34:145–166

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Pati S, Helmbrecht GD (1994) Congenital schizencephaly associated with in utero warfarin exposure. Reprod Toxicol 8:115–120

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • PătraÅŸcu A, Berceanu S, Popescu CF, Gheorman V, Berceanu C (2009) Clinical and histopathological correlations of the modifications of fetal membranes in amniochorial infection. Rom J Morphol Embryol 50:67–72

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Pharoah PO, Dundar Y (2009) Monozygotic twinning, cerebral palsy and congenital anomalies. Hum Reprod Update 15:639–648

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Piastra M, Pietrini D, Massimi L, Caldarelli M, De Luca D, Del Lungo LM, De Carolis MP, Di Rocco C, Conti G, Zecca E (2009) Severe subdural hemorrhage due to minimal prenatal trauma. J Neurosurg Pediatr 4:543–546

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Pistorius LR, Smal J, de Haan TR, Page-Christiaens GC, Verboon-Maciolek M, Oepkes D, de Vries LS (2008) Disturbance of cerebral neuronal migration following congenital parvovirus B19 infection. Fetal Diagn Ther 24:491–494

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Prasad AN, Bunzeluk K, Prasad C, Chodirker BN, Magnus KG, Greenberg CR (2007) Agenesis of the corpus callosum and cerebral anomalies in inborn errors of metabolism. Congenit Anom (Kyoto) 47:125–135

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Prasad AN, Malinger G, Lerman-Sagie T (2009) Primary disorders of metabolism and disturbed fetal brain development. Clin Perinatol 36:621–638

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Prayer D, Kuhle S, Prokesch R et al (1999) In vitro MR imaging of blood containing fetal hemoglobin (abstr). Radiology 213:144

    Google Scholar 

  • Prayer D, Brugger PC, Kasprian G, Witzani L, Helmer H, Dietrich W, Eppel W, Langer M (2006a) MRI of fetal acquired brain lesions. Eur J Radiol 57:233–249

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Prayer D, Kasprian G, Krampl E, Ulm B, Witzani L, Prayer L, Brugger PC (2006b) MRI of normal fetal brain development. Eur J Radiol 57:199–216

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Reardon W, Donnai D (2007) Dysmorphology demystified. Arch Dis Child Fetal Neonatal Ed 92:F225–229

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Redline RW, O’Riordan MA (2000) Placental lesions associated with cerebral palsy and neurologic impairment following term birth. Arch Pathol Lab Med 124:1785–1791

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Reinhardt K, Mohr A, Gartner J, Spohr HL, Brockmann K (2010) Polymicrogyria in fetal alcohol syndrome. Birth Defects Res A Clin Mol Teratol 88:128–131

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Righini A, Salmona S, Bianchini E, Zirpoli S, Moschetta M, Kustermann A, Nicolini U, Triulzi F (2004) Prenatal magnetic resonance imaging evaluation of ischemic brain lesions in the survivors of monochorionic twin pregnancies: report of 3 cases. J Comput Assist Tomogr 28:87–92

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Righini A, Kustermann A, Parazzini C, Fogliani R, Ceriani F, Triulzi F (2007) Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging of acute hypoxic-ischemic cerebral lesions in the survivor of a monochorionic twin pregnancy: case report. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 29:453–456

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Righini A, Fiori L, Parazzini C, Doneda C, Arrigoni F, Riva E, Triulzi F (2010) Early prenatal magnetic resonance imaging of glutaric aciduria type 1: case report. J Comput Assist Tomogr 34:446–448

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Robinson JN, Norwitz ER, Mulkern R, Brown SA, Rybicki F, Tempany CM (2001) Prenatal diagnosis of pyruvate dehydrogenase deficiency using magnetic resonance imaging. Prenat Diagn 21:1053–1056

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Roza SJ, Steegers EA, Verburg BO, Jaddoe VW, Moll HA, Hofman A, Verhulst FC, Tiemeier H (2008) What is spared by fetal brain-sparing? Fetal circulatory redistribution and behavioral problems in the general population. Am J Epidemiol 168:1145–1152

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Simonazzi G, Segata M, Ghi T, Sandri F, Ancora G, Bernardi B, Tani G, Rizzo N, Santini D, Bonasoni P, Pilu G (2006) Accurate neurosonographic prediction of brain injury in the surviving fetus after the death of a monochorionic cotwin. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 27:517–521

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Tang PH, Bartha AI, Norton ME, Barkovich AJ, Sherr EH, Glenn OA (2009) Agenesis of the corpus callosum: an MR imaging analysis of associated abnormalities in the fetus. Am J Neuroradiol 30:257–263

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Taweevisit M, Thorner PS (2010) Massive fetal thrombotic vasculopathy associated with excessively long umbilical cord and fetal demise: case report and literature review. Pediatr Dev Pathol 13:112–115

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Unger S, Salem S, Wylie L, Shah V (2010) Newborn frontal horn cysts: cause for concern? J Perinatol 8 July doi:10.1038/jp.2010.79

    Google Scholar 

  • van Baalen A, Versmold H (2007) Non-haemorrhagic subependymal pseudocysts: ultrasonographic, histological and pathogenetic variability. Ultraschall Med 28:296–300

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • van Gelder-Hasker MR, van Wezel-Meijler G, de Groot L, van Geijn HP, de Vries JI (2003) Peri- and intraventricular cerebral sonography in second- and third-trimester high-risk fetuses: a comparison with neonatal ultrasound and relation to neurological development. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 22:110–120

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Vazquez E, Castellote A, Mayolas N, Carreras E, Peiro JL, Enriquez G (2009) Congenital tumours involving the head, neck and central nervous system. Pediatr Radiol 39:1158–1172

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Verbrugge J, Choudhary AK, Ladda R (2009) Tethered cord, corpus callosum abnormalities, and periventricular cysts in Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome. Report of two cases and review of the literature. Am J Med Genet A 149A:2280–2284

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ville Y, Jenkins E, Shearer MJ, Hemley H, Vasey DP, Layton M, Nicolaides KH (1993) Fetal intraventricular haemorrhage and maternal warfarin. Lancet 341:1211

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Volpe JJ (2001) Neurobiology of periventricular leukomalacia in the premature infant. Pediatr Res 50:553–562

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Zuerrer M, Martin E, Boltshauser E (1991) MR imaging of intracranial hemorrhage in neonates and infants at 2.35 Tesla. Neuroradiology 33:223–229

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Daniela Prayer .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2010 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Prayer, D., Asenbaum, U., Brugger, P.C., Kasprian, G. (2010). Acquired Brain Pathology. In: Prayer, D. (eds) Fetal MRI. Medical Radiology(). Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/174_2010_118

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/174_2010_118

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-540-73270-9

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-540-73271-6

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics