Fetal Magnetic Resonance Imaging of an Intracranial Venous Thrombosis

Vol. 21, No. 1, 2006

Free Abstract Article (References) Article (PDF 255 KB)

Paper

Fetal Magnetic Resonance Imaging of an Intracranial Venous Thrombosis
Case Report
Luc Breysem^a, Ingrid Witters^b, Bernard Spitz^b, Philippe Moerman^c, Maria Helena Smet^a

Departments of
^aRadiology,
^bObstetrics and Gynecology and
^cPathology, University Hospitals Gasthuisberg, Leuven, Belgium

Address of Corresponding Author

Fetal Diagn Ther 2006;21:13-17 (DOI: 10.1159/000089041)

Key Words

Fetal imaging
Venous thrombosis
Magnetic resonance imaging
Fetal brain
Ultrasound

Abstract

Objective: To describe the magnetic resonance imaging findings of an antenatal intracranial venous thrombosis. Methods: Prenatal ultrasound (US) at 22 weeks' gestational age (GA) in a 27-year-old patient (G2 P1) revealed a nonspecific avascular echogenic mass above the cerebellum evaluated with MRI at 23 weeks' GA. Results: With MRI an enlarged occipital pericerebral space with a layered ovoid mass at the torcular herophili was demonstrated and MRI characteristics suggested a subacute cloth. In follow-up, an important enlargement of the mass was noticed on US examinations. After multidisciplinary consult and parental consent, a prostaglandin induction was performed at 25 weeks' GA. The baby died immediately after birth. Pathology confirmed the diagnosis of a venous thrombosis at the torcular herophili with extension into the superior sagittal sinus. Conclusion: In our case, MRI findings were helpful in diagnosing an intracranial fetal venous thrombosis.

Author Contacts

Dr. Luc Breysem
Department of Radiology, University Hospitals Gasthuisberg
Herestraat 49
BE-3000 Leuven (Belgium)
Tel. +32 16 343782, Fax +32 16 343765, E-Mail luc.breysem@uz.kuleuven.ac.be

Article Information

Received: February 23, 2004
Accepted after revision: October 15, 2004
Number of Print Pages : 5
Number of Figures : 5, Number of Tables : 0, Number of References : 18

Medline Abstract (ID 16354968)

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