Conflicting Reports on Ultrasound and MRI Results – Seeking Clarity
Hello everyone, I’m a 29-year-old woman facing some puzzling circumstances regarding my pregnancy. At 24 weeks, during an ultrasound, there were concerns about my baby lacking a corpus callosum, but maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) was able to identify the cavum septum pellucidum (CSP). Subsequently, my regular obstetrician conducted another ultrasound which also confirmed the presence of the CSP. A friend of mine, who is a radiologist, also reviewed the ultrasound images and concurred that the CSP was visible. However, things took a turn at 27 weeks when I underwent an MRI that suggested the genu might be present, but the CSP was not detectable. The imaging showed the baby in a head-down position during the procedure. Now, at 30 weeks, MFM continues to assert that the CSP is identifiable, but due to the baby’s position, obtaining a proper sagittal view to confirm the corpus callosum remains challenging. Despite this, the MFM reiterated that during the 24-week assessment, she did not observe the corpus callosum. This leaves me feeling quite perplexed - whom should I believe? Is it possible there is a misdiagnosis in play? I even requested the MFM illustrate where she perceives the CSP, which seems very clear to me. Additionally, I want to mention that the ventricles have been measuring consistently below 10mm, specifically at 8mm for over the past 12 weeks, showing no signs of ventriculomegaly, and there is also bilateral dangling choroid plexus. There have been no other noted anomalies. I genuinely need assistance in untangling this situation. Is it feasible that the MRI results were misinterpreted? Could the MFM be continuously observing artifacts on the ultrasound? Any insights would be greatly appreciated.
Answers (1)
8/1/2025, 5:10:44 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing a challenging situation with conflicting imaging results during your pregnancy, specifically concerning the corpus callosum and cavum septum pellucidum. It's understandable to feel confused and concerned about these findings, especially when it involves your baby's health.
Main Points:
- Multiple imaging results can lead to confusion, but it's important to consider the expertise of the specialists involved.
- Differences in ultrasound and MRI interpretations can occur due to factors like the baby's position, the quality of images, and the expertise of the interpreter.
- Consistent ventricular measurements below 10mm are reassuring and suggest the absence of significant issues related to ventriculomegaly.
Explanation:
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Understanding the Terms:
- The corpus callosum is a structure in the brain that connects the left and right hemispheres, while the cavum septum pellucidum (CSP) is a normal variant often seen in fetal brain anatomy. The presence of CSP does not necessarily indicate problems.
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Why Conflicts Occur:
- Ultrasound and MRI are different imaging modalities. Ultrasound is more operator-dependent and can vary based on the technician's skill and the fetus's position. An MRI usually provides more detailed images, but obtaining clear views can still be difficult, especially if the baby is in a head-down position.
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Current Findings:
- Your reports of stable ventricular size are very positive, and the clarity of those structures is encouraging. Consistency in expert opinions can help provide peace of mind.
Next Steps:
- Continue Communication: Keep an open dialogue with your Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM) specialist. Request specific explanations about what they see in the images and why they believe the CSP is identifiable.
- Seek a Second Opinion: If uncertainty persists, consider consulting another specialist, preferably a neurologist with experience in fetal imaging. This can provide another perspective and help clarify your understanding of the situation.
- Document Findings: Maintain a log of all imaging results and assessments. This includes writing down questions or concerns for your next appointments, which can help guide the discussion.
- Follow-Up Scans: Keep on track with any scheduled monitoring. Additional ultrasounds or MRIs may be advised to observe changes as your pregnancy progresses.
Reassurance:
Remember, it's quite common for expectant mothers to experience confusion regarding imaging results, and discrepancies can happen. You're proactive in seeking clarification, which is essential for your peace of mind. You're doing a great job advocating for your health and that of your baby.
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