Approach to prenatal diagnosis of malformations of cortical development: From ultrasound to magnetic resonance imaging

Abstract

The cerebral cortex plays an important role in memory, attention, perception, language and consciousness. Malformations of cortical development (MCD) are increasingly being shown to be the main cause of conditions such as epilepsy, mental retardation, and other neuro-motor disorders. These abnormalities can occur at different stages of the embryonic period. This study aims to overview ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging for prenatal diagnosis of malformations of cortical development. Ultrasound and especially MRI are effective tools for prenatal diagnosis and classification of these abnormalities. Ultrasound is always the first method, helping to access and detect early brain and cortical lesions, can be performed during pregnancy. MRI has a distinct advantage over ultrasound in the assessment of cortical developmental abnormalities. Mastering the signs suggesting MCD on ultrasound and MRI will increase the ability to detect lesions and limit errors in prenatal diagnostic practice.