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SFM Executive Committee Webinar: Corpus Callosum

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Understanding the Corpus Callosum and Its Abnormalities - A Lecture Series by Dr. Punam Tara and Dr. Gaurika Sahi

Tonight's focus is on the decoding of the corpus callosum and its abnormalities.:

  • The corpus callosum is a main commissural pathway connecting the two hemispheres.
  • Dr. Punam Tara, a maternal fetal medicine specialist, will guide us through the various normal and abnormal features of the corpus callosum.

Discussing clinical application of anatomy in imaging of corpus callosum:

  • Explaining the development of corpus callosum in fetal autopsy
  • Highlighting the anatomical compactness and importance of corpus callosum in brain hemispheres connection

Understanding the anatomy of the corpus callosum:

  • Posterior closure occurs in 97% of cases, with exceptions
  • Visualizing the shape and placement of the corpus callosum is crucial

Neurosonogram S-Work Guidelines:

  • Ultrasound shows anterior structures like corpus callosum and anterior commissure
  • Differentiates normal and abnormal features like the thalamus and septum pellucidum

Corpus callosum is the largest commissure and unique to placental mammals:

  • The corpus callosum is concerned with learning, cognitive judgment, memory, attention span, and more
  • Embryogenesis of the corpus callosum completes by 20 weeks, with the best imaging approach being mid-sagittal section

Optimal transducer placement for imaging the corpus callosum:

  • Use trans vaginal transducers to achieve better imaging quality
  • Depending on the approach, different parts of the corpus callosum can be visualized

Understanding the corpus callosum anatomy is crucial for medical practitioners.:

  • The corpus callosum is a harmonious contour and a curvilinear structure with hypoechoic and hyper echoic margins, with no kinks or angles.
  • It overhangs the tectal plate and is an important reference point for measuring length and thickness using various imaging techniques.

Importance of 20 weeks timeline in ultrasound:

  • Color doppler is better for pickup than grayscale before 20 weeks
  • Displays the development of corpus callosum in the fetus

Discussion on the structure of the brain lobes and ventricles:

  • The relationship between the anterior horns and the midline
  • The implications of the teardrop shape of the lateral ventricle

Coronal section findings related to the brain's structure.:

  • The absence of the km septum pellucidum and an uninterrupted inter hemispheric fissure.
  • Configuration of the anterior horns, third ventricle, and the roof of the third ventricle discussed in detail.

Hemispheric cyst in the third ventricle:

  • Hypertensive third ventricle pushes its roof up and extends into the interventricular fissure
  • Transvaginal picture shows no corpus callosum and the cyst sitting in the midline

Lipoma appearance in the brain:

  • Lipoma visible in midline as small hyperechoic blob
  • Lipoma propagated through choroidal fissure into lateral ventricles

Possible Mobik Wilson syndrome with IUGR:

  • Isthmus is narrow, possibility of aorta cooperation
  • Microphallus observed in genitalia, consider IUGR

Abnormalities in corpus callosum can be detected from the length and width of the csp.:

  • A shortened csp indicates a shortened corpus callosum, whereas a longer and narrower csp can also indicate abnormalities.
  • Dr. Rabbit Chauvinitol proposed using the ratio of csp length to width to objectively assess abnormalities.

Trans vaginal sonogram provides detailed pictures of the fetus:

  • Trans vaginal sonogram shows significant details of the fetal brain anatomy and corpus callosum
  • Compared to other imaging techniques, trans vaginal sonogram provides superior clarity and diagnostic capability

Several case studies related to brain abnormalities and infections:

  • Identification of thin corpus callosum and periventricular halo indicating fetal infection
  • Coronal and parasagittal sections showing abnormalities in the cisterna magna and cerebellar hypoplasia

Wait till 20 weeks for assessment:

  • Do not be over-enthusiastic in diagnosing prenatal abnormalities
  • Fetal MRI is a useful adjunct, but counseling is tough

Panel discussion on the corpus callosum:

  • Gaurika, a radiologist from Lafaye, leads the discussion
  • The corpus callosum is referenced in ancient literature and has neurological significance

Biometry of corpus callosum for deciding its characteristics:

  • Studies and articles available online since 1993
  • Recent advancements in measuring length, thickness, and width

Dr. Alok's examination and findings during the 12-week and 23-week scans.:

  • At 12 weeks, no abnormalities were found, and the double marker test was normal. Patient reassured.
  • At 23 weeks, dilated lateral ventricles were observed, potentially missed if the patient had not come back.

Abnormalities in the brain structure and appearance.:

  • The frontal horns are widely separated and have a spear horn appearance.
  • The intra hemispheric fissure appears wide and runs across the brain.

Detailed evaluation for neural sonogram and possible additional abnormalities:

  • Detailed neural sonogram can reveal CNS defects and other abnormalities in the brain
  • Further evaluation of eyes, heart, kidneys, limbs, and other body parts is important for syndromic or genetic association

Look for associated anomalies and offer genetic testing for prognosis:

  • MRI at time of diagnosis for confirmation
  • 20% of cases can be false diagnosis

Abnormalities observed in 26-week findings:

  • CSP appearing abnormal, suggesting significant abnormality
  • Corpus callosum appears short and underdeveloped, not overhanging midbrain

Discussing brain abnormalities and genetic causes:

  • Exploring non-genetic and genetic causes of abnormalities
  • Considering family history and chromosomal translocation

Corpus Callosum Abnormalities:

  • About 10 to 15 percent of cases exhibit abnormalities of number or structure
  • Chromosomal abnormalities of number are chromosome 13 and 18

Challenges in decision-making during pregnancy:

  • Tests and gestation are critical in deciding whether to continue or discontinue pregnancy
  • Genetic testing can help in planning delivery and postnatal outcomes

Counseling for genetic disorders and testing limitations:

  • Loss of DNA can lead to the need for further testing
  • Microarray or exome testing may not pick up all abnormalities

Importance of definitive diagnosis for intellectual disability:

  • Genetic counseling for potential carriers and affected children
  • Emphasizing limitations of prenatal scanning and testing

Neurodevelopmental problems have a higher risk than baseline in certain populations:

  • Baseline risk of neurodevelopmental problems is 12% in general, 8-13% in certain populations
  • Risk of epilepsy is much higher, as high as 16%

Prenatal imaging may not differentiate complex and isolated cases:

  • Postnatal imaging and thorough clinical examination are important
  • Counseling should not vary between hyperplastic or dysgenetic corpus callosum cases

Next generation sequencing and prenatal MRI assist in prognosis and management:

  • MRI can pick up additional findings in 8-12% of cases
  • Follow-up and involving specialists such as cardiologist is crucial postnatally

Good prognosis to be communicated cautiously:

  • Limitations of scanning should be explained
  • Corpus callosum development to be monitored till 20 weeks

Delayed anomaly scan to 20-22 weeks is better for picking up ultrasound findings:

  • Biometry of corpus callosum should be looked at earlier than 20 weeks
  • Reassuring patients can lead to delayed follow-ups, so proper scheduling is important

Discussion on a case report at 25 weeks and five days:

  • Highlighted the absence of cavum of the septum pellucidum
  • Explained the presence of a pseudo cavum and its implications

MRI confirmed partial agenesis of corpus callosum:

  • Embryological residue formed well in the posterior part
  • Primitive corpus callosum arrested in dorsal migration

Normal hippocampus and temporal lobe asymmetry rule out the possibility of developing epilepsy.:

  • Isolated agenesis considerably reduces the possibility of epilepsy.
  • MRI plays an important role in evaluating neurodevelopmental outcome, with a score of <=3 indicating excellent outcome.

Tractography and cryptography revolutionized understanding of corpus callosum:

  • Normal DTI study of a normal corpus callosum in fetus
  • Presence of aberrant bundles indicates partial agenesis and connectivity

Importance of KVM septum pellucidum in prenatal scanning:

  • KVM septum pellucidum should be carefully examined during prenatal scanning to identify abnormalities
  • Neural sonogram and MRI should be considered for further evaluation and confirmation of diagnosis

Offer a multi-disciplinary approach:

  • Involving genetics, MRI specialist, fetal medicine specialist, and pediatric neurologist
  • Fun facts about the corpus callosum

Discussion on microarray and diagnosis techniques:

  • Lack of widespread use of certain diagnostic techniques
  • Challenges in obtaining accurate images and results

Debate on diagnosing condition in early trimester:

  • Challenges of diagnosing condition in early trimester due to embryonic development
  • Importance of waiting until at least 24 weeks for accurate diagnosis

Patient's panic should not be our problem:

  • Patients must learn to accept anxiety and panic as part of the process
  • We should not take on the responsibility of relieving all patient anxieties

Suggestion for collaboration and data sharing:

  • Suggests pooling cases and outcomes for more robust data
  • Emphasizes the need for diverse data collection

"Understanding and Addressing Common Challenges in Fetal Medicine"

Discussion on common scenarios in day-to-day practice:

  • Rapid advances in imaging and fetal medicine are leading to more subtle abnormalities and malformations being detected
  • Termination of pregnancy is no longer the easiest solution, and there are various aspects and management options to consider

Patient's complex medical history and decision-making:

  • Patient had previous pregnancy complications including hypoplastic left heart, growth restriction, and eclampsia
  • Subsequent pregnancy was conceived via IVF and posed higher risk, requiring timely intervention

Taking action to prevent complications in pregnancy is crucial.:

  • It's important to follow rules and guidelines to prevent trouble ahead.
  • Research shows that taking action can shift the endpoint of the disease and reduce maternal mortality.

Early screening for preclampsia is crucial:

  • 27% incidence of preclampsia in some parts of India
  • Early screening can predict personalized risk and improve perinatal outcome

Early intervention for hypertensive patients before 16 weeks of pregnancy.:

  • Changes in blood vessel structure and size during pregnancy.
  • Prevention and detection of hypertensive conditions for better management.

Monitoring pregnancy changes for better risk assessment:

  • Shifting to competing risk approach to update risk calculations
  • Utilizing mathematical modeling and software for real-time risk assessment

Measurement of mean arterial pressure is crucial:

  • Proper measurement of mean arterial pressure is described in literature and on YouTube
  • It's important to prioritize patient well-being over cost and document all procedures

Monitoring PLGF levels is critical for pregnancy outcomes.:

  • PLGF levels above 85 indicate a disastrous situation.
  • Regular screening and surveillance help in predicting and managing potential complications.

Manage high, low, and intermediate risk pregnancies with appropriate screening and follow-up:

  • For high-risk pregnancies, start frequent screening from 24 weeks onwards and repeat if clinically suspicious
  • For low-risk pregnancies, call back at 36 weeks; for intermediate risk, reassess at 30 or 34 weeks

Compromising on healthcare for women's scans is unacceptable.:

  • Governments must prioritize first trimester scans for women, especially those at risk.
  • Developing and utilizing specific tests for detecting health issues in women's urine is vital.

Maternal cardiac function:

  • Discussion on the development and use of a new screening method for preeclampsia.
  • Presentation of a case of CPAM (Congenital Pulmonary Airway Malformation) in a 29-year-old pregnant woman.

Lung abnormalities and vascular supply in fetus:

  • Well-defined triangular legion homogeneously echogenic in the left lung
  • Dual vascular supply confirmed by systemic vessel from aorta and paired pulmonary artery and vein

The lung lesion showed signs of resolving and becoming smaller.:

  • The complete lung was homogeneous with no cystic changes.
  • The baby was normal and showed no respiratory symptoms.

Prognostic factors and differential diagnosis:

  • Proliferation of terminal bronchioles is radiologically classified as solid or cystic
  • Key prognostic factors are size of lesion, presence of C, and development of hydrops

Ultrasound helps in counseling and planning postnatal outcomes.:

  • Understanding natural formation aids in managing strategies and preparing the pediatric team.
  • Bright lung echogenicity and midline shift help in identifying and assessing thoracic lesions.

Different types of lesions in practice:

  • Pulmonary sequestration and abnormality associated with cystic or solid lesion
  • Demonstration of systemic blood supply for identification

Poor development of bronchial cartilage leads to collapse of the bronchus.:

  • This collapse functions as a one-way valve, leading to accumulation of amniotic fluid in the AL.
  • Prenatal regression of congenital lung malformations does not rule out postnatal respiratory complications.

Respiratory support may be needed within 24 hours:

  • Consider surgery within two years after birth
  • Prognosticating factors include gestational age, lesion size, location, and associated abnormalities

The size of the lesion is an important factor in prenatal prognostic:

  • The size of the lesion can remain stable or change compared to fetal growth
  • It can be classified into categories and measured for ultrasound reports

Fetus with conal lar malformation postnatal care:

  • Respiratory support or surgery required within 24 hours to 2 years after birth
  • Postnatal CT and follow-up for at least two years is crucial

Fetal ventricular megal is a common finding with potential implications for fetal health and development.:

  • It is associated with chromosomal abnormalities and fetal infections.
  • Its presence prompts comprehensive structural evaluation and consideration of associated CNS anomalies.

Criteria for measuring ventricle dilation:

  • Measuring the medial wall distance from the ventricular wall to the choid plexus
  • Standardization for measuring lateral ventricles to ensure accuracy

Ventricular megal and atrial diameter:

  • Ventricular megal is associated with obstructive anomalies
  • Extended neurogram and proper midline sagittal view are crucial for evaluation

Neurosonogram for comprehensive assessment:

  • Start with biometry, calvarium, and ventricles
  • MRI complements ultrasound after 26 weeks for additional findings

Absence of Corpus Callosum and Associated Abnormalities:

  • A short or wide CSP on the sagittal view indicates partial agenesis of the Corpus Callosum.
  • Ventricular abnormalities are common and may be associated with other major CNS abnormalities.

Obstructive hydris can lead to increased pressure within the cranium:

  • Look for increased space between the brain and the overlying calvarium, indicating cerebral atrophy
  • Dilated cations can lead to severe obstructive dilation of the lateral ventricles and third ventricle, resulting in paranal thinning

Ventricular megal requires thorough testing and regular monitoring:

  • Chromosomal microarray or clinical exom testing is important for diagnosis
  • Infections, cerebral atrophy, and CNS inflammation can cause ventricular megal

Ventricular megal increases risk of neurodevelopmental delay:

  • Size of ventricular megal influences neurodevelopmental outcome
  • Severity of ventricular megal affects the likelihood of abnormal neurodevelopmental outcome

Pulmonary sequestration genetic testing is not mandatory:

  • Early ultrasound examination is planned from 18 to 24 weeks gestation
  • Postnatal follow-ups are mandatory, including a CT scan within 4 days to one week postnatal

Discussing the challenges of evaluating breach babies at 24 weeks.:

  • Genetic testing and infection observation are crucial for treatment.
  • Difficulty in getting comprehensive views on ultrasound in breach babies.

Obtaining permissions takes 6-7 weeks on average.:

  • Encouraging members to subscribe to SFM YouTube channel.
  • Expressing gratitude to hosts and trade partners.