Normative apparent diffusion coefficient values in the developing fetal brain.

Area of Science:

• Neuroimaging
• Fetal Development
• Radiology

Background:

• Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) studies in fetuses are scarce.
• Normative data for fetal apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values are needed for clinical comparison.
• This study addresses the need for normative data in healthy fetuses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish normative apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values in singleton, nonsedated, healthy fetuses.
• To analyze the relationship between ADC values and gestational age in various fetal brain regions.
• To provide reference data for comparison with fetuses and neonates with suspected brain abnormalities.

Main Methods:

• Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) was performed on 28 healthy fetuses.
• Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values were measured in the periatrial white matter, frontal white matter, thalamus, basal ganglia, cerebellum, and pons.
• Linear regression analysis was used to correlate ADC values with gestational age.

Main Results:

• ADC values were highest in the frontal and periatrial white matter and lowest in the thalamus and pons.
• ADC values significantly declined with increasing gestational age in most brain regions studied, except frontal white matter.
• The cerebellum and thalamus showed the fastest rates of ADC decline with advancing gestational age.

Conclusions:

• Regional differences in fetal ADC values and their changes with gestational age reflect brain maturation.
• These findings in nonsedated fetuses align with published data from premature neonates.
• The study provides valuable normative data for fetal brain development assessment using DWI.