Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Cumhuriyet Medical Journal, cilt.44, sa.1, ss.57-61, 2022 (Hakemli Dergi)
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.