Fetal MRI for dummies: what the fetal medicine specialist should know about acquisitions and sequences

Abstract

Fetal MRI is an increasingly used tool in the field of prenatal diagnosis. While US remains the first line screening tool, as an adjuvant imaging tool, MRI has been proven to increase diagnostic accuracy and change patient counseling. Further, there are instances when US may not be sufficient for diagnosis. As a multidisciplinary field, it is important that every person involved in the referral, diagnosis, counseling and treatment of the patients is familiar with the basic principles, indications and findings of fetal MRI. The purpose of the current paper is to equip radiologists and nonradiologists with basic MRI principles and essential topics in patient preparation and provide illustrative examples of when fetal MRI may be used. This aims to aid the referring clinician in better selecting and improve patient counseling prior to arrival in the radiology department and, ultimately, patient care.

What brain abnormalities can magnetic resonance imaging detect in foetal and early neonatal spina bifida: a systematic review

“…These findings are thought to reflect impaired growth of the posterior fossae and its contents in response to the continuous loss of CSF through the spinal defect. This hypothesis is supported by the observation that following foetal surgery, these measures increased significantly with an evolution towards normal compared to OSB foetuses who had postnatal surgery [6,8,[33][34][35][36][37]. Other detailed anatomical assessment and description of the CIIM were also possible using traditional MRI techniques, such as lower level of cervicomedullary kink and low pontomesencephalic junction [38].…”

Measurement of the Brain Volume/Liver Volume Ratio by Three‐Dimensional MRI in Appropriate‐for‐Gestational Age Fetuses and Those With Fetal Growth Restriction

“…Unlike US, MRI is not limited by maternal obesity, fetal position, advanced GA, or lack of amniotic fluid 14 . With the development of fast MRI sequences, it has been used to measure the volumes of the whole body and organs in utero 9,10 .…”

The application of in utero magnetic resonance imaging in the study of the metabolic and cardiovascular consequences of the developmental origins of health and disease

“…Diffusion imaging is frequently used to investigate pathological placental invasion 19,20 and has been used to measure lung maturity. 21,22 For more information on the basic MRI principles and essential topics related to fetal MRI, please refer to the recent review paper by Aertsen et al 23 In comparison, the use of positron-emission tomography (PET) and x-ray computed tomography (CT) in pregnant humans is uncommon due to the risks associated with ionizing radiation. 24 Nuclear medicine, including PET, is only performed on pregnant patients for diagnosis or therapy of life-threatening conditions.…”

“…Diffusion imaging is frequently used to investigate pathological placental invasion 19 , 20 and has been used to measure lung maturity. 21 , 22 For more information on the basic MRI principles and essential topics related to fetal MRI, please refer to the recent review paper by Aertsen et al 23 …”