Evaluation of Fetuses with Intrauterine Hydrocephaly by Diffusion-Weighted Imaging

Objective: Hydrocephaly is an important factor for neurological development. Microstructural changes of cerebral tissue are detected in diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), and abnormal brain development can be detected early. In this study, it was aimed to evaluate fetuses with hydrocephaly by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Method: In our study, nineteen fetuses with hydrocephaly and twenty-two fetuses without any pathology were analyzed retrospectively. Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) of fetal brain frontal, parietal, temporal white matter, cerebellar hemisphere and pons was measured. Case and control groups were compared statistically.
Results: When the individuals in the study and control groups were compared in terms of trimester, no significant difference was found (p>0.05). When the frontal, parietal and temporal white matter ADC values of the fetuses in both groups were compared, the difference between the groups was significant (p<0.05). Individuals in the study group also had lower ADC values. When the pons and cerebellum ADC values of the fetuses were compared, no significant difference was found between the groups (p>0.05).
Conclusions: Hydrocephaly is one of the most common congenital anomalies. Increased cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure causes parenchymal compression, thus reducing perfusion and ischemia. As a result of ischemia, lactate concentration increases and fluid transfers into the cell. Then, diffusion restriction and a decrease in ADC values occur. Measurement of cerebral ADC values gives information about the neurological development of fetuses with hydrocephaly and can provide early recognition of problems that may occur in the postnatal period.