4.6 Article

Thick fetal corpus callosum: an ominous sign?

Journal

ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY
Volume 34, Issue 1, Pages 55-61

Publisher

WILEY
DOI: 10.1002/uog.6356

Keywords

corpus callosum; fetal brain; MRI; prenatal diagnosis; ultrasound

Ask authors/readers for more resources

Objective Anomalies of the corpus callosum are frequently diagnosed during pregnancy, but a thick corpus callosum is a rare finding and its significance is not clear. We aimed to assess the significance of thick fetal corpus callosum by reviewing our experience of such cases. Methods The records of all fetuses with anomalies of the corpus callosum referred to the prenatal diagnosis units of two university hospitals from 2000 to 2007 were reviewed. Nine fetuses with a thick corpus callosum were identified. Results In all cases there were associated abnormalities: macrocephaly, ventriculomegaly, vermian agenesis, abnormal sulcation or encephalocele. Four pregnancies were terminated and in each of these cases the autopsy confirmed dysmorphic features and additional brain abnormalities. Five infants were delivered; two died shortly after birth, one suffers front mental retardation, one bad neonatal convulsions and one is developing normally. Conclusions A thick fetal corpus callosum is usually associated with other brain anomalies and is part of a neurogenetic syndrome in most cases. Copyright (c) 2009 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Authors

I am an author on this paper
Click your name to claim this paper and add it to your profile.

Reviews

Primary Rating

4.6
Not enough ratings

Secondary Ratings

Novelty
-
Significance
-
Scientific rigor
-
Rate this paper

Recommended

Article Acoustics

Early second-trimester three-dimensional transvaginal neurosonography of fetal midbrain and hindbrain: normative data and technical aspects

R. Birnbaum, R. Barzilay, M. Brusilov, P. Acharya, G. Malinger, K. Krajden Haratz

Summary: This study aimed to provide a detailed description of the sonographic appearance and development of various fetal structures of the midbrain and hindbrain (MBHB) during the early second trimester. The study found that transvaginal neurosonography allows for a detailed assessment of MBHB in the early second trimester and provides reference data that may aid in the early detection of brain pathology involving MBHB.

ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY (2022)

Article Genetics & Heredity

Prenatal diagnosis of a likely pathogenic variant in ZBTB18: Natural evolution of fetal phenotype including the long bones and corpus callosum

Roee Birnbaum, Ofer Markovitch, Tal Biron-shental, Debora Kidron, Liat Ben-Sira, Shira Litz Philipsborn, Eyal Reinstein

Summary: Pathogenic variants in the ZBTB18 gene have been found for the first time in a fetus, showing features such as intrauterine growth restriction, diminished long bones growth, single umbilical artery, and a short corpus callosum. The challenging diagnosis of this disorder highlights the importance of targeted follow-up and high clinical suspicion throughout pregnancy.

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL GENETICS PART A (2022)

Article Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging

Ex-Vivo MRI of the Normal Human Placenta: Structural-Functional Interplay and the Association With Birth Weight

Daphna Link-Sourani, Netanell Avisdris, Shaul Harel, Liat Ben-Sira, Tuvia Ganot, Zoya Gordon, Ariel Many, Dafna Ben Bashat

Summary: Advanced MRI methods are used to assess human placenta to understand structure-function interplay and pregnancy risks. This study characterized ex-vivo human placental structure and function using MRI and identified imaging-markers for placentas at risk for dysfunction. Results showed correlation between placental function, umbilical cord centricity index, and birth weight, suggesting potential markers for identifying placental dysfunction risk.

JOURNAL OF MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING (2022)

Article Acoustics

Exome sequencing as first-tier test for fetuses with severe central nervous system structural anomalies

Y. Yaron, V. Ofen Glassner, A. Mory, N. Zunz Henig, A. Kurolap, A. Bar Shira, D. Brabbing Goldstein, D. Marom, L. Ben Sira, H. Baris Feldman, G. Malinger, K. Krajden Haratz, A. Reches

Summary: This study compared the diagnostic yield of exome sequencing (ES) and chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) in fetuses with central nervous system (CNS) anomalies. The results showed that ES provided a high diagnostic yield for severe CNS structural anomalies and may be considered as a first-tier test for prenatal diagnosis, detecting both sequence variants and copy-number variants (CNVs).

ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY (2022)

Article Genetics & Heredity

Upgrading an intronic TMEM67 variant of unknown significance to likely pathogenic through RNA studies and community data sharing

Alina Kurolap, Adi Mory, Sharon Simchoni, Karina Krajden Haratz, Gustavo Malinger, Roee Birnbaum, Hagit Baris Feldman, Yuval Yaron

Summary: This study reports a case of a couple of Ashkenazi Jewish descent and their pregnancy with multiple fetal abnormalities. Genetic diagnostic testing and RNA analysis revealed the association of TMEM67 gene variants with the fetal abnormalities. The novelty of this study lies in the reclassification of an unknown variant and empowering the couple to make informed reproductive choices.

PRENATAL DIAGNOSIS (2022)

Review Genetics & Heredity

Fetal cerebral ventriculomegaly: What do we tell the prospective parents?

Veronica Giorgione, Karina Krajden Haratz, Shlomi Constantini, Roee Birnbaum, Gustavo Malinger

Summary: Fetal cerebral ventriculomegaly is a common finding that can be diagnosed through ultrasound. Detailed neurosonography and anatomy ultrasound should be conducted to identify any associated anomalies. MRI may be used if neurosonography is not available. Screening for infections and genetic testing is recommended. Treatment options depend on the degree of ventriculomegaly and presence of other abnormalities.

PRENATAL DIAGNOSIS (2022)

Article Acoustics

Spectrum of brain malformations in fetuses with mild tubulinopathy

R. Hagege, K. Krajden Haratz, G. Malinger, L. Ben-Sira, Z. Leibovitz, D. Heron, L. Burglen, R. Birnbaum, S. Valence, B. Keren, L. Blumkin, J. -m. Jouannic, T. Lerman-Sagie, C. Garel

Summary: This retrospective multicenter study aimed to investigate the prenatal diagnosis of mild forms of tubulinopathy and define the ultrasound and MRI features that can facilitate this diagnosis. The main ultrasound criteria included midline distortion, ventricular asymmetry, dysmorphic and/or dilated frontal horn(s), and abnormal sulcation. The main MRI criteria were midline distortion, distortion of the cavum septi pellucidi, ventricular asymmetry, dilatation and/or distortion, dysmorphic and/or dilated frontal horn(s), and abnormal sulcation. Mutations were found in TUBB3, TUBB, TUBB2B, or TUBA1A genes. Most findings could be visualized on ultrasound. The prenatal diagnosis of mild tubulinopathy is challenging but important for prenatal counseling.

ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY (2023)

Article Acoustics

Malformation of cortical development with abnormal cortex: early ultrasound diagnosis between 14 and 24 weeks of gestation

K. Krajden Haratz, R. Birnbaum, D. Kidron, J. Har-Toov, Y. Salemnick, M. Brusilov, G. Malinger

Summary: This retrospective study aimed to identify neurosonographic findings that can diagnose or highly suggest the presence of malformations of cortical development before 24 weeks of gestation. The study cohort included 20 fetuses, with a mean gestational age at diagnosis of 18.7 weeks. Familiarity with fetal brain anatomy and its early sonographic landmarks allowed for early diagnosis of these malformations.

ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY (2023)

Article Acoustics

ISUOG Practice Guidelines (updated): performance of fetal magnetic resonance imaging

D. Prayer, G. Malinger, L. De Catte, B. De Keersmaecker, L. F. Goncalves, G. Kasprian, S. Laifer-Narin, W. Lee, A. -E. Millischer, L. Platt, F. Prayer, D. Pugash, L. J. Salomon, M. Sanz Cortes, F. Stuhr, I. E. Timor-Tritsch, B. Tutschek, D. Twickler, N. Raine-Fenning

ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY (2023)

Letter Genetics & Heredity

Reply to: Addressing expectations of therapeutic options for children with hydrocephalus-A comment on Fetal Cerebral Ventriculomegaly. What do we tell the prospective parents?

Veronica Giorgione, Karina Krajden Haratz, Shlomi Constantini, Roee Birnbaum, Gustavo Malinger

PRENATAL DIAGNOSIS (2023)

Article Acoustics

Fetal neurosonography as accurate tool for diagnosis of brain involvement in tuberous sclerosis

G. Malinger, A. Prabhu, A. Maroto Gonzalez, M. Brusilov, D. Kidron, R. Amster, R. Birnbaum, K. Krajden Haratz

Summary: This study aimed to demonstrate the potential utility of dedicated neurosonography in diagnosing fetal brain involvement in tuberous sclerosis complex. The results showed that dedicated neurosonography appeared to be effective and should be used as the first-line approach for diagnosing brain involvement in fetuses at risk of tuberous sclerosis complex.

ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY (2023)

Article Genetics & Heredity

SMARCC1 is a susceptibility gene for congenital hydrocephalus with an autosomal dominant inheritance mode and incomplete penetrance

Noa Hourvitz, Alina Kurolap, Adi Mory, Karina Krajden Haratz, Dvora Kidron, Gustavo Malinger, Hagit Baris Feldman, Yuval Yaron

Summary: A Jewish couple received genetic counseling after terminating a pregnancy due to fetal ventriculomegaly. Trio exome sequencing identified a loss-of-function variant in the SMARCC1 gene inherited from the mother. The SMARCC1 gene was found to be associated with embryonic neurodevelopmental processes and is now considered a susceptibility gene for hydrocephalus.

PRENATAL DIAGNOSIS (2023)

Article Genetics & Heredity

The normal 14-18 gestational weeks parasagittal complex view of the fetal brain. A 3D transvaginal neurosonographic study

Roee Birnbaum, Maya Kuperberg, Michael Brusilov, Igal Wolman, Gustavo Malinger, Karina Krajden Haratz

Summary: This study aims to investigate the development of the fetal brain during the early second trimester. The study provides detailed data on various components and anatomical variants of the fetal brain and their association with brain malformations. These findings can assist clinicians in assessing fetal brain development during the early weeks of the second trimester.

PRENATAL DIAGNOSIS (2023)

Article Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging

Improved differentiation between hypo/hypertelorism and normal fetuses based on MRI using automatic ocular biometric measurements, ocular ratios, and machine learning multi-parametric classification

Netanell Avisdris, Daphna Link Sourani, Liat Ben-Sira, Leo Joskowicz, Gustavo Malinger, Simcha Yagel, Elka Miller, Dafna Ben Bashat

Summary: This study successfully differentiated hypo-/hypertelorism in fetuses using automatic biometric measurements and machine learning classification based on MRI. The results showed that the newly defined ratios and the ML multi-parametric classifier improved the accuracy of distinguishing abnormal from normal fetuses with the condition. The developed fully automatic method demonstrated high performance on varied clinical imaging data.

EUROPEAN RADIOLOGY (2023)

Article Obstetrics & Gynecology

A New BCl6 Transcriptional Corepressor Variant Mosaicism in a Fetus with Severe Fetal-Eye Anomalies

Andres Malinger, Michael Brusilov, Daphna Mitzad Koresh, Mordechai Shohat, Gustavo Malinger

Summary: This article presents prenatal imaging of a fetus with severe eye anomalies, which have been diagnosed as a new variant mosaicism on the BCOR gene.

FETAL DIAGNOSIS AND THERAPY (2022)

No Data Available