Motion-compensation techniques in neonatal and fetal MR imaging

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Pediatric Radiology
• Neuroimaging

Background:

• Fetal and neonatal magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is a valuable diagnostic tool.
• It offers advantages over sonography, including no ionizing radiation and superior soft-tissue contrast.
• Motion during imaging can degrade image quality and hinder diagnosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current motion compensation techniques in fetal and neonatal MR imaging.
• To discuss strategies for preventing, minimizing, and correcting motion artifacts.
• To highlight applications in fetal and neonatal brain MR imaging.

Main Methods:

• Review of motion-prevention strategies (patient preparation, coaching, sedation).
• Overview of motion-artifact minimization methods (fast protocols, data undersampling, motion-resistant sequences).
• Description of motion-detection/correction schemes (navigators, external tracking, postprocessing).

Main Results:

• Various techniques exist to address motion in fetal and neonatal MR imaging.
• These methods aim to improve image quality and diagnostic accuracy.
• The article details specific strategies and their applications.

Conclusions:

• Motion compensation is crucial for successful fetal and neonatal MR imaging.
• Effective techniques ensure reliable diagnoses by minimizing artifacts.
• Future developments promise further advancements in motion compensation.