MRI scans in pregnancy improve diagnosis of brain defects

Conclusion Overall, the study provides evidence for a link between having an iuMRI when a brain abnormality has been detected in the foetus and improved diagnostic accuracy. This improvement led to a change in management in a significant minority of cases. This study provides strong evidence for adding this extra scan in cases when brain abnormalities are detected. Also, most women involved in the study thought this extra scan was a good idea if brain abnormalities were detected in the ultrasound scan. However, there are some minor limitations to this pragmatic study which are acknowledged by the researchers: The radiologists assessing the iuMRI scans had already seen the notes from the ultrasound, which may have led to confirmation bias, where they are more likely to agree with the opinion already put forward. The iuMRI scan was carried out up to 14 days after the ultrasound. The time difference between examinations is an important factor for diagnostic accuracy as the foetal brain is growing and maturing rapidly. Most brain abnormalities will be easier to detect in more mature foetal brains. This makes it difficult to directly compare the accuracy of diagnosis from the ultrasound with that of the iuMRI scan. At this later stage, ultrasound scans may have also been more accurate. The majority of cases were taken from one site and the demographic of women in this area may differ compared to other areas and therefore results may not apply to other areas in the UK. ...
Source: NHS News Feed - Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Pregnancy/child Neurology Medical practice Source Type: news