Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 4, 2026
Human Fetal Blood Flow Quantification with Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Motion Compensation
Published on: January 7, 2021
Second trimester fetal magnetic resonance imaging improves diagnosis of non-central nervous system anomalies
Hashem Amini1, Johan Wikström, Håkan Ahlström
1Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden. hashem.amini@kbh.uu.se
Objective:
To evaluate the additional information of second trimester magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) compared with ultrasound in fetuses with identified or suspected non-CNS anomalies and to study the clinical impact of the MRI information on pregnancy management.
Design:
Prospective study during 2003-2007. The fetal MRI examination was planned to be performed within 3 days after the ultrasound.
Setting:
Uppsala University hospital.
Sample:
Sixty-three women in whom the second trimester ultrasound identified or raised suspicion of fetal anomalies were included.
Methods:
Ultrasound was compared to MRI in relation to the final diagnosis, which was based on the assessment of all available data, including postpartum clinical follow-up and autopsy results.
Main Outcome Measures:
Evaluation of the additional information gained from MRI and the consequences it had on pregnancy management.
Results:
The mean interval between ultrasound and MRI was 2.6 days (range 0-15 days). In 42 (67%) women MRI was performed within 3 days. All MRI examinations were assessable. In 43 (68%) fetuses MRI provided no additional information, in 17 (27%) MRI added information without changing the management and in three (5%) MRI provided additional information which changed the management. All these three cases had oligohydramnios. In all six cases of diaphragmatic hernia MRI provided additional information.
Conclusions:
Fetal MRI of non-CNS anomalies in the second trimester seems to be a valuable adjunct to ultrasound diagnosis of non-CNS anomalies, especially in cases of oligohydramnios and diaphragmatic hernia.
