Abstract
Introduction
MR with ultrafast imaging techniques is, nowadays, a standard clinical service in most medical centers for prenatal counseling when sonographic examination is not conclusive or a complicated pregnancy is encountered. Compared with other imaging modalities, MR has multi-faceted superiorities in that it uses non-ionization radiation, it has freedom in selecting an imaging plane, it produces standardized and easily reproducible imaging views, it provides excellent tissue contrast and overview of the fetus, there is no scanning dead space, and no limit to penetration depth. Central nervous system anomalies are the most common indications for fetal MR imaging.
Technical aspects
Among the various ultrafast imaging techniques, T2-weighted imaging, e.g., spin echo-based half-Fourier acquisition single-shot turbo spin-echo and gradient echo-based steady-state free precession, and T1-weighted imaging, e.g., fast low angle shot and fast spoiled gradient recalled sequences, are commonly used.
Future
In the future, morphometry in three dimensions, real-time imaging, and the functional and metabolic evaluation of the fetal brain will be the important ongoing challenges.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Chung HW, Chen CY, Zimmerman RA, Lee KW, Lee CC, Chin SC (2000) T2-weighted fast MR imaging with true FISP versus HASTE: comparative efficacy in the evaluation of normal fetal brain maturation. Am J Roentgenol 175:1375–1380
Coakley FV, Hricak H, Filly RA, Barkovich A, Harison MR (1999) Complex fetal disorders: effect of MR imaging on management—preliminary clinical experience. Radiology 213:691–696
Duerk JL, Lewin JS, Wendt M, Petersilge C (1998) Remember true FISP? A high SNR, near 1-second imaging method for T2-like contrast in interventional MRI at .2T. J Magn Reson Imaging 8:203–208
Guo WY, Chang CY, Ho DMT, Wong TT, Sheu MH, Cheng HC, Chen SJ, Hung JH (2001) A comparative MR and pathological study on fetal CNS disorders. Childs Nerv Syst 17:512–518
Kubik-Huch RA, Wildermuth S, Cettuzzi L, Rake A, Seifert B, Chaoui R, Marincek B (2001) Fetus and uteroplacental unit: fast MR imaging with three-dimensional reconstruction and volumetry feasibility study. Radiology 219:567–573
Levine D, Barnes PD (1999) Cortical maturation in normal and abnormal fetuses as assessed with prenatal MR imaging. Radiology 210:751–758
Levine D, Hatabu H, Gaa J, Atkinson MW, Edelman RR (1996) Fetal anatomy revealed with fast MR sequences. Am J Roentgenol 167:905–908
Levine D, Barnes PD, Madsen JR, Li W, Edelman RR (1997) Fetal central nervous system anomalies: MR imaging augments sonographic diagnosis. Radiology 204:635–642
Oi S, Honda Y, Hidaka M, Sato O, Matsumoto S (1998) Intrauterine high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging in fetal hydrocephalus and prenatal estimation of postnatal outcomes with "perspective classification". J Neurosurg 88:685–694
Quinn TM, Hubbard AM, Adzick NS (1998) Prenatal magnetic resonance imaging enhanced fetal diagnosis. J Pediatr Surg 33:553–558
Revel MP, Pons JC, Lelaidier C, Fournet P, Vial M, Musset D, Labrune M, Frydman R (1993) Magnetic resonance imaging of the fetus: a study of 20 cases performed without curarization. Prenat Diagn 13:775–799
Shellock FG, Kanal E (1991) Policies, guidelines and recommendations for MR imaging safety and patient management. J Magn Reson Imaging 1:97–101
Sutton LN, Adzick NS, Bilaniuk LT, Johnson MP, Crombleholme TM, Flake AW (1999) Improvement in hindbrain herniation demonstrated by serial fetal magnetic resonance imaging following fetal surgery for myelomeningocele. JAMA 282:1826–1831
Tsuchiya K, Katase S, Seki T, Mizutami Y, Hachiya J (1996) Short communication: MR imaging of fetal brain abnormalities using a HASTE sequence. Br J Radiol 69:668–670
Wilcox AJ, Weinberg CR, O'Connor JF, Baird DD, Schlatterer JP, Canfield RE, Armstrong EG, Nisula BC (1988) Incidences of early pregnancy loss. N Engl J Med 319:189–194
Yamashita Y, Namimoto T, Abe T, Takahashi M, Iwamasa J, Miyazaka K, Okamura H (1997) MR imaging of the fetus by a HASTE sequence. Am J Roentgenol 168:513–519
Acknowledgement
The study is supported in part by research grant NSC90–2314-B-075–088.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Guo, WY., Wong, TT. Screening of fetal CNS anomalies by MR imaging. Childs Nerv Syst 19, 410–414 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00381-003-0762-9
Received:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00381-003-0762-9