BACKGROUND: Analysis of the middle ear with fetal MRI has not been previously reported. OBJECTIVE: To show the contribution of fetal MRI to middle ear imaging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The tympanic cavity was evaluated in 108 fetal cerebral MRI examinations (facial and/or cerebral malformation excluded) and in two cases, one of Treacher Collins syndrome (case 1) and the other of oculo-auriculo-vertebral (OUV) spectrum (case 2) with middle ear hypoplasia identified by MRI at 27 and 36 weeks' gestation, respectively. RESULTS: In all 108 fetuses (mean gestational age 32.5 weeks), the tympanic cavity and T2 hypointensity related to the ossicles were well visualised on both sides. Case 1 had micro/retrognathia and bilateral external ear deformity and case 2 had retrognathism with a left low-set and deformed ear. MRI made it possible to recognize the marked hypoplasia of the tympanic cavity, which was bilateral in case 1 and unilateral in case 2. Both syndromes are characterized by craniofacial abnormalities including middle ear hypoplasia, which cannot be diagnosed with US. CONCLUSION: The middle ear cavity can be visualized with fetal MRI. We emphasize the use of this imaging modality in the diagnosis of middle ear hypoplasia.
BACKGROUND: Analysis of the middle ear with fetal MRI has not been previously reported. OBJECTIVE: To show the contribution of fetal MRI to middle ear imaging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The tympanic cavity was evaluated in 108 fetal cerebral MRI examinations (facial and/or cerebral malformation excluded) and in two cases, one of Treacher Collins syndrome (case 1) and the other of oculo-auriculo-vertebral (OUV) spectrum (case 2) with middle ear hypoplasia identified by MRI at 27 and 36 weeks' gestation, respectively. RESULTS: In all 108 fetuses (mean gestational age 32.5 weeks), the tympanic cavity and T2 hypointensity related to the ossicles were well visualised on both sides. Case 1 had micro/retrognathia and bilateral external ear deformity and case 2 had retrognathism with a left low-set and deformed ear. MRI made it possible to recognize the marked hypoplasia of the tympanic cavity, which was bilateral in case 1 and unilateral in case 2. Both syndromes are characterized by craniofacial abnormalities including middle ear hypoplasia, which cannot be diagnosed with US. CONCLUSION: The middle ear cavity can be visualized with fetal MRI. We emphasize the use of this imaging modality in the diagnosis of middle ear hypoplasia.
Authors: W R Nemzek; H A Brodie; B W Chong; C J Babcook; S T Hecht; S Salamat; W G Ellis; J A Seibert Journal: AJNR Am J Neuroradiol Date: 1996-09 Impact factor: 3.825
Authors: P Martinelli; G M Maruotti; A Agangi; L L Mazzarelli; G Bifulco; D Paladini Journal: Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol Date: 2004-08 Impact factor: 7.299