Prenatal MR diffusion-weighted imaging in a fetus with hemimegalencephaly

Pediatr Radiol. 2006 Feb;36(2):138-40. doi: 10.1007/s00247-005-0003-3. Epub 2005 Nov 16.

Abstract

We report a case of hemimegalencephaly diagnosed by prenatal MRI with an emphasis on its appearance on diffusion-weighted images. This case shows that in this condition the enlarged hemisphere may show restricted diffusion on prenatal MRI. In our opinion, this finding may result from a combination of increased cellularity and advanced myelination in the affected hemisphere. Restricted diffusion is an additional valuable indicator in the analysis of the fetal brain.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Brain / abnormalities*
  • Brain / pathology
  • Cerebral Ventricles / abnormalities*
  • Cerebral Ventricles / pathology
  • Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Nervous System Malformations / diagnosis*
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Trimester, Third
  • Prenatal Diagnosis*