MR Imaging of the Fetal Chest and Abdomen: How to Provide Value-Added Imaging

AbstractPurpose of ReviewIn this article, recent literature on MRI of the fetal chest and abdomen is presented, with review of the growing area of fetal interventions. Emerging imaging techniques, the increasing trend toward 3  T in fetal imaging, as well as imaging protocols designed to optimize efficient evaluation of specific disease conditions will be discussed.Recent FindingsPrenatal MRI has been shown to contribute to accurate diagnoses of intrapulmonary lesions, and is anticipated to play an increasingly important role in cardiac disease. While the role of prenatal MRI in evaluation of the fetus with congenital diaphragmatic hernia is well known, there is now more concise information available in predicting postnatal outcomes; it plays a central role in planning and assessment of fetoscopic endoluminal tracheal occlusion (FETO). Complex congenital abdominal abnormalities also benefit from multiplanar imaging and the ability to delineate meconium distribution.SummaryMRI contributes meaningfully to evaluation of the fetus, providing information beyond what is obtained from advanced ultrasound (US). This allows for more nuanced prenatal counseling, a tailored multidisciplinary approach to prenatally diagnosed diseases and improved postnatal management.
Source: Current Radiology Reports - Category: Radiology Source Type: research