Reversible parenchymal ischemic injury on fetal brain MRI following fetoscopic laser coagulation—Implication on parental counseling

Abstract

We present a case of reversible extensive ischemic injury seen on fetal-brain MRI in a fetus following laser coagulation performed for treatment of severe twin-twin transfusion syndrome twin-twin transfusion syndrome. A 32-year-old pregnant mother presented with twin-twin transfusion syndrome. Following fetoscopic laser coagulation, intrauterine fetal death of the donor fetus was diagnosed. On fetal-brain MRI, multiple areas of restricted diffusion were noted, consistent with acute infarctions. Nevertheless, follow-up MRI showed only subtle parenchymal injury, also confirmed on postnatal brain MRI. Our case illustrates that ischemic injury, as depicted on diffusion-weighted imaging, might be reversible, possibly with reperfusion before irreversible insult follows. Two to 3 weeks follow-up fetal MRI might provide additional information on the extent of irreversible injury in cases of restricted diffusion seen on initial fetal-brain MRI and might assist in parental counseling regarding long-term sequela.

Keywords

• Ischemia
• TTTS
• Fetal MRI
• Diffusion weighted imaging
• IUFD
• Obstetrics