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Investigation of normal organ development with fetal MRI

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Abstract

The understanding of the presentation of normal organ development on fetal MRI forms the basis for recognition of pathological states. During the second and third trimesters, maturational processes include changes in size, shape and signal intensities of organs. Visualization of these developmental processes requires tailored MR protocols. Further prerequisites for recognition of normal maturational states are unequivocal intrauterine orientation with respect to left and right body halves, fetal proportions, and knowledge about the MR presentation of extrafetal/intrauterine organs. Emphasis is laid on the demonstration of normal MR appearance of organs that are frequently involved in malformation syndromes. In addition, examples of time-dependent contrast enhancement of intrauterine structures are given.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Radiology, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringerguertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria

    Daniela Prayer

  2. Center of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Integrative Morphology Group, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria

    Peter C. Brugger

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  1. Daniela Prayer
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  2. Peter C. Brugger
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Correspondence to Daniela Prayer.

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Prayer, D., Brugger, P.C. Investigation of normal organ development with fetal MRI. Eur Radiol 17, 2458–2471 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-007-0604-3

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