Assessment of Fastigial Angle in Fetuses with Blake Pouch Cyst and Vermian Hypoplasia on Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Lokesh Murali, Rajeswaran Rangasami, Chandrasekhar Priyanka, Indrani Suresh, Sudarshan SureshAbstract
Objective:
To obtain the fastigial angle in fetuses with Blake pouch cyst (BPC) and vermian hypoplasia (VH) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Materials and Methods:
A total of 39 patients (13 cases of BPC, 13 cases of VH, and 13 normal controls) referred for fetal MRI from June 2020 to April 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. The gestational age at MRI examination was between 21 and 24 weeks. The MRI images were reviewed independently by two senior neuroradiologists, and the final findings were arrived in consensus. The fastigial angles were measured in fetuses with BPC and VH. The results were statistically analyzed and compared with control groups.
Results:
The fastigial angles were significantly increased/more obtuse in VH (134.0 to 154.0°) (mean ± 2SD) compared to BPC (95.0 to 129.8°) (mean ± 2SD) in our study. The brainstem vermian angle ranged from 22.3 to 30.3° (mean ± 2SD) in BPC and 31.5 to 47.5° (mean ± 2SD) in VH, respectively, in our study.
Conclusion:
Fastigial angle measurement is a complementary tool for the accurate diagnosis of posterior fossa malformations, such as BPC and VH, on fetal MRI