Corpus callosum differences assessed by fetal MRI in late-onset intrauterine growth restriction and its association with neurobehavior

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to evaluate corpus callosum (CC) development by Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in late-onset intrauterine growth restricted (IUGR) fetuses compared to appropriate for gestational age and its association with neurobehavioral outcome. METHOD: One hundred and seventeen late-onset IUGR and 73 control fetuses were imaged using a 3T MRI scanner at term, obtaining T2 half-Fourier acquisition single-shot turbo spin-echo anatomical slices. CC length, thickness, total area and the areas after a subdivision in 7 portions were assessed. Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale test was performed on IUGR newborns at 42 ± 1 weeks. RESULTS: IUGR fetuses showed significantly smaller CC (Total CC Area IUGR: 1.3996 ± 0.26 vs. AGA: 1.664 ± 0.31; p < 0.01) and smaller subdivision areas as compared with controls. The differences were slightly more pronounced in fetuses with very low birth weight and/or abnormal brain and/or abnormal uterine Doppler. CC measurements were significantly associated with neurobehavioral outcome in IUGR cases. CONCLUSIONS: CC development was significantly altered in late-onset IUGR fetuses and correlated with worse neurobehavioral performance. CC could be further explored as a potential imaging biomarker to predict abnormal neurodevelopment in pregnancies at risk.