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Child's Nervous System
Published in: Child's Nervous System 7-8/2003

01-08-2003 | Original Paper

Fetal MRI: normal gestational landmarks for cerebral biometry, gyration and myelination

Authors: Catherine Garel, Emmanuel Chantrel, Monique Elmaleh, Hervé Brisse, Guy Sebag

Published in: Child's Nervous System | Issue 7-8/2003

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Abstract

Purpose

Up until the last 10 years, normal cerebral gestational landmarks were assessed by ultrasonographic and fetopathologic studies. The purpose of this paper is to display the possibilities provided by fetal MRI in the evaluation of fetal cerebral biometry, normal sulcation and myelination.

Methods

Two hundred and twenty-five fetuses (with a normal brain) were studied prospectively using a standardised method. The gestational age ranged from 22 to 38 weeks. The main data concerning biometry of various cerebral structures at those terms are given .

Discussion

In contrast to ultrasound, MRI allows measurements of brain (and not skull), which are available independently of the position of the fetal head. The timing of the appearance of the different sulci is also available using MRI. It is considered to be a good marker of fetal brain maturation. The biochemical modifications contemporary to myelination make it possible to evaluate this phenomenon in the fetal brain using MRI.
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Metadata
Title
Fetal MRI: normal gestational landmarks for cerebral biometry, gyration and myelination
Authors
Catherine Garel
Emmanuel Chantrel
Monique Elmaleh
Hervé Brisse
Guy Sebag
Publication date
01-08-2003
Publisher
Springer-Verlag
Published in
Child's Nervous System / Issue 7-8/2003
Print ISSN: 0256-7040
Electronic ISSN: 1433-0350
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00381-003-0767-4

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