Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Indications for magnetic resonance imaging of the fetal body (extra-central nervous system): recommendations from the European Society of Paediatric Radiology Fetal Task Force

  • Review
  • Published:
Pediatric Radiology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The indications for fetal body MRI are amplifying because of the expanding possibilities of fetal and perinatal therapy. However, huge heterogeneity regarding the indications for fetal body MRI is seen among different European countries that is mostly related to local use of US, but also to local fetal MRI expertise and legislation on pregnancy termination. The purpose of this article is to summarize the precise indications for fetal MRI, excluding the central nervous system. MRI indications arise from the sonographic findings, based on the operator’s experience and the various practices in the countries and institutions represented on the European Society of Paediatric Radiology Fetal Task Force. We also highlight the strengths and weaknesses of fetal US and MRI of the fetal body.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
Fig. 8
Fig. 9
Fig. 10
Fig. 11
Fig. 12
Fig. 13
Fig. 14
Fig. 15
Fig. 16
Fig. 17
Fig. 18

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Cassart M, Garel C (2020) European overview of current practice of fetal imaging by pediatric radiologists: a new task force is launched. Pediatr Radiol 50:1794–1798

    Article  Google Scholar 

  2. Recio Rodriguez M, Martinez de Vega V, Cano Alonso R et al (2012) MR imaging of thoracic abnormalities in the fetus. Radiographics 32:E305–E321

    Article  Google Scholar 

  3. Cassart M (2017) Fetal body imaging: when is MRI indicated? J Belg Soc Radiol 101:1–6

    Google Scholar 

  4. Papaioannou G, Klein W, Cassart M, Garel C (2021) Indications for magnetic resonance imaging of the fetal central nervous system: recommendations from the European Society of Paediatric Radiology Fetal Task Force. Pediatr Radiol 51:2105–2114

    Article  Google Scholar 

  5. Davidson JR, Uus A, Matthew J et al (2021) Fetal body MRI and its application to fetal and neonatal treatment: an illustrative review. Lancet Child Adolesc Health 5:447–458

    Article  Google Scholar 

  6. Nagarajan M, Sharbidre KG, Bhabad SH, Byrd SE (2018) MR imaging of the fetal face: comprehensive review. Radiographics 38:962–980

    Article  Google Scholar 

  7. Garel C, Vande Perre S, Guilbaud L et al (2021) Contribution of computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging in the analysis of fetal craniofacial malformations. Pediatr Radiol 51:1917–1928

    Article  Google Scholar 

  8. Zemet R, Amdur-Zilberfarb I, Shapira M et al (2020) Prenatal diagnosis of congenital head, face, and neck malformations — is complementary fetal MRI of value? Prenat Diagn 40:142–150

    Article  Google Scholar 

  9. van der Hoek-Snieders HEM, van den Heuvel AJML, van Os-Medendorp H, Kamalski DMA (2020) Diagnostic accuracy of fetal MRI to detect cleft palate: a meta-analysis. Eur J Pediatr 179:29–38

    Article  Google Scholar 

  10. Feygin T, Bilaniuk (2020) Fetal head and neck tumors. Pediatr Radiol 50:1999–2008

    Article  Google Scholar 

  11. Avni FE, Massez A, Cassart M (2009) Tumours of the fetal body: a review. Pediatr Radiol 39:1147–1157

    Article  Google Scholar 

  12. Marine MB, Forbes-Amrhein MM (2020) Magnetic resonance imaging of the fetal gastrointestinal system. Pediatr Radiol 50:1895–1906

    Article  Google Scholar 

  13. Alamo L, Gudinchet F, Meuli R (2015) Imaging findings in fetal diaphragmatic abnormalities. Pediatr Radiol 45:1887–1900

    Article  Google Scholar 

  14. Mehollin-Ray AR, Cassady CI, Cass DL, Olutoye OO (2012) Fetal MR imaging of congenital diaphragmatic hernia. Radiographics 32:1067–1084

    Article  Google Scholar 

  15. Kastenholz KE, Weis M, Hagelstein C et al (2015) Correlation of observed-to-expected MRI fetal lung volume and ultrasound lung-to-head ratio at different gestational times in fetuses with congenital diaphragmatic hernia. AJR Am J Roentgenol 206:856–866

    Article  Google Scholar 

  16. Snyder E, Baschat A, Huisman TAGM, Tekes A (2017) Value of fetal MRI in the era of fetal therapy for management of abnormalities involving the chest, abdomen, or pelvis. AJR Am J Roentgenol 210:998–1009

    Article  Google Scholar 

  17. Alamo L, Gudinchet F, Reinberg O et al (2012) Prenatal diagnosis of congenital lung malformations. Pediatr Radiol 42:273–283

    Article  Google Scholar 

  18. Adams NC, Victoria T, Oliver ER et al (2020) Fetal ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging: a primer on how to interpret prenatal lung lesions. Pediatr Radiol 50:1839–1854

    Article  Google Scholar 

  19. Beydon N, Larroquet M, Coulomb A et al (2013) Comparison between US and MRI in the prenatal assessment of lung malformations. Pediatr Radiol 43:685–696

    Article  Google Scholar 

  20. Alamo L, Vial Y, Gengler C, Meuli R (2016) Imaging findings of bronchial atresia in fetuses, neonates and infants. Pediatr Radiol 46:383–390

    Article  Google Scholar 

  21. Mong A, Johnson AM, Kramer SS et al (2008) Congenital high airway obstruction syndrome: MR/US findings, effect on management, and outcome. Pediatr Radiol 38:1171–1179

    Article  Google Scholar 

  22. Waelti SL, Garel L, Soglio DD et al (2017) Neonatal congenital lung tumors — the importance of mid-second-trimester ultrasound as a diagnostic clue. Pediatr Radiol 47:1766–1775

    Article  Google Scholar 

  23. Aguet J, Seed M, Marini D (2020) Fetal cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging. Pediatr Radiol 50:1881–1894

    Article  Google Scholar 

  24. Jensen KK, Oh KY, Patel N et al (2020) Fetal hepatomegaly: causes and associations. Radiographics 40:589–604

    Article  Google Scholar 

  25. Cassart M, Anvi FE, Guibaud L et al (2011) Fetal liver iron overload: the role of MR imaging. Eur Radiol 21:295–300

    Article  Google Scholar 

  26. Wong AM, Cheung YC, Liu YH et al (2005) Prenatal diagnosis of choledochal cyst using magnetic resonance imaging: a case report. World J Gastroenterol 11:5082–5083

    Article  Google Scholar 

  27. Rubesova E (2012) Fetal bowel anomalies — US and MR assessment. Pediatr Radiol 42:S101–S106

    Article  Google Scholar 

  28. Cassart M, Massez A, Metens T et al (2004) Complementary role of MRI after sonography in assessing bilateral urinary tract anomalies in the fetus. AJR Am J Roentgenol 182:689–695

    Article  Google Scholar 

  29. Fazecas TM, Araujo Júnior E, Werner H et al (2019) Applicability of magnetic resonance imaging in the assessment of fetal urinary tract malformations. Can Assoc Radiol J 70:83–95

    Article  Google Scholar 

  30. Birkemeier KL (2020) Imaging of solid congenital abdominal masses: a review of the literature and practical approach to image interpretation. Pediatr Radiol 50:1907–1920

    Article  Google Scholar 

  31. Caro-Domingeuz P, Gupta AA, Chavhan GB (2017) Can diffusion-weighted imaging distinguish between benign and malignant pediatric liver tumors? Pediatr Radiol 48:85–93

    Article  Google Scholar 

  32. Chauvin NA, Victoria T, Khwaja A et al (2020) Magnetic resonance imaging of the fetal musculoskeletal system. Pediatr Radiol 50:2009–2027

    Article  Google Scholar 

  33. Calvo-Garcia MA, Kline-Fath BM, Adams DM et al (2015) Imaging evaluation of fetal vascular anomalies. Pediatr Radiol 45:1218–1229

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pediatric Radiology, Mitera Maternity and Children’s Hospital, 6 Erythrou Stavrou str, Maroussi 15123, Athens, Greece

    Georgia Papaioannou

  2. Pediatric Imaging Unit, Department of Radiology, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío, Sevilla, Spain

    Pablo Caro-Domínguez

  3. Department of Medical Imaging, Radiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands

    Willemijn M. Klein

  4. Department of Radiology, Armand-Trousseau Hospital, Paris, France

    Catherine Garel

  5. Department of Radiology and Fetal Medicine, Iris South Hospitals, Brussels, Belgium

    Marie Cassart

Authors
  1. Georgia Papaioannou
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Pablo Caro-Domínguez
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Willemijn M. Klein
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Catherine Garel
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Marie Cassart
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Georgia Papaioannou.

Ethics declarations

Conflicts of interest

None

Additional information

Publisher’s note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Rights and permissions

Springer Nature or its licensor holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Papaioannou, G., Caro-Domínguez, P., Klein, W.M. et al. Indications for magnetic resonance imaging of the fetal body (extra-central nervous system): recommendations from the European Society of Paediatric Radiology Fetal Task Force. Pediatr Radiol 53, 297–312 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00247-022-05495-4

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Revised:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00247-022-05495-4

Keywords

Search

Navigation