Feasibility of free-breathing T1-weighted 3D radial VIBE for fetal MRI in various anomalies

Comparison of the colon with T1 breath-hold vs T1 free-breathing—A retrospective fetal MRI study

“…The visibility score of all bowel structures was equal or better in the FB compared to the BH sequence in 79.1 % of fetuses. These findings are in concordance with a recent study, where the images (head and neck region, fetal body, placenta and intrauterine structures) in radial VIBE (FB) had a significantly higher image quality score compared to the traditional BH sequence in the 2nd and 3rd trimester group [8]. In the same study the radial VIBE sequence was more robust to motion artifacts than the BH sequence and in our study the frequency of motion artifacts was also comparable in both sequences.…”

“…The currently used T1-w fetal body sequences are performed during maternal breath-hold, as otherwise breathing associated image artifacts interfere with proper assessment of the respective anatomic structures. Maternal breath-hold is restricted to 15-20 s. This can be difficult for pregnant women due to altered respiration physiology caused by hormonal changes or weight-gain [8]. T1-w sequences are sensitive to motion artifacts, which can be a problem for the image quality due to uncontrollable fetal movement [7].…”

“…T1-w sequences are sensitive to motion artifacts, which can be a problem for the image quality due to uncontrollable fetal movement [7]. More recently MRI sequences became available that require no breath-hold technique, such as the Free-Breathing T1-w 3D Radial VIBE (volumetric interpolated breath-hold examination) sequence [7,8]. From here on this sequence will just be referred to as "free-breathing" (FB) and the standard T1-w sequence in breath-hold technique will be referred to as BH.…”

“…This may facilitate imaging in mothers when breath-hold cannot be performed, or when significant fetal movements are present [9,10]. Recent studies showed that in fetal imaging the FB may offer comparable or even better image quality than BH sequences, and also lesion conspicuity in FB sequences is better compared to standard T1-weighted images [8].…”

A guideline for 3D printing terminology in biomedical research utilizing ISO/ASTM standards

“…Numerous examples of such utilization of commercial trademarks exist. For example, within medical imaging literature, numerous publications incorporate names of trademarked MRI sequences within titles and article text [21][22][23][24][25]. However, the use of any subjective and/or scientifically unsubstantiated positive or negative language in relation to commercial or trademarked product descriptors is unacceptable; reviewers and editors should recognize such language and require that manuscripts be edited accordingly.…”