Fetal and placental volumetric and functional analysis using echo-planar imaging

Recent and past work using echo-planar imaging (EPI) in pregnancy has allowed important anatomic and physiological information to be obtained, giving advantages over conventional radiological methods such as ultrasound. EPI is a quick, convenient method of measuring organ volumes. The volumetric estimates throughout gestation correlate well with known fetal weight at these gestations. Relaxation time measurements also can be made in the placenta and lungs. By combining the changes in relaxation and volume with gestation in the future, it may be possible to develop an "index of maturity." This could be used to accurately reflect lung maturation. T1 and T2 parameters in the placenta decreased with gestational age and with abnormal placentation. EPI can be used to assess perfusion in the placenta and flow in the uterine arteries because of its rapid acquisition times. These techniques have been applied to assess perfusion within the fetal brain.