This paper describes the MR appearance of sulcal anatomy with respect to gestational age in normal and abnormal fetuses. 79 fetal MR examinations were reviewed. In all of the normal fetal brain MRs the sulcation landmarks appeared in the order predicted by anatomic studies.
In the fetuses with abnormalities other than mild ventriculomegaly, the time lag varied from 0–21 weeks.
Cortical maturation is clearly demonstrated by fetal MR. Normal maturation by MR follows a predictable course that is slightly delayed compared to that described in neuroanatomic specimens.
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