The influence of MR imaging on changes in patient counseling in obstetric patients with suspected fetal anomalies by ultrasound

Abstract

Objective: To determine the frequency of additional information provided by magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in supplement to ultrasound (US) in patients with fetal anomaly and to determine the influence of MR imaging findings on patient counseling. Material and Method: MR imaging of fetus was performed in 26 patients who have abnormal ultrasound results. Referring obstetricians were asked about how the additional information provided by MR imaging have effect on their decision marking, patient counseling, and case management. Results: MR imaging in 23 of 26 fetuses was technically successful. MR imaging provided additional information in 14/23 (60.9%) cases. In the other nine (39.1%) cases, MR imaging confirmed US diagnosis but did not give supplementary information. Additional information from MR imaging affected patient counseling in five (21.7%) cases and did not affect patient counseling in the other nine (39.1%) cases. In 14 cases with additional information from MR imaging, there were isolated CNS involvement in five (35.7%) cases, isolated extra-CNS involvement in two (14.3%) cases, multisystem involvement in five (35.7%) cases, and other-category in two (14.3%) case. Conclusion: MR imaging can provide additional information that have influence on patient counseling and patient care, particularly in cases with CNS and multisystem anomaly.