Neurosonography Compared to Fetal Magnetic Resonance Imaging: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on the Diagnostic Agreement and Added Value

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to compare the additional value of fetal neurosonography (NS) and fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in fetuses at risk for brain anomalies. Materials and Methods: This systematic review article was conducted based on PRISMA guidelines. On January 30, 2021, a systematic search was conducted using Embase, Medline, Web of Science, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library, with no language restrictions. The purpose was to identify all articles comparing NS with fetal MRI, in cases of suspected brain abnormalities. The statistical analysis was performed using STATA-15 and Meta-Disk 1.4 software. Results: Eight articles were included in this review. The overall agreement rate between NS and MRI was 81%. Data from NS changed the management of 6% of patients, and MRI data added data to the results of NS, in 9% of cases. In cases where the fetal MRI was normal, the added value of the postnatal MRI was 4%. Conclusion: When brain abnormalities are suspected, based on NS, MRI can play a significant role in the diagnostic path by clarifying the findings and significantly increasing the detection of abnormalities, especially when abnormalities are suspected in the posterior, midline, or cortical areas of the brain.