Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 19, 2026

State of the Art Cranial Ultrasound Imaging in Neonates
Published on: February 2, 2015
MRI and US in the evaluation of fetal anomalies: The need to work together
S Bernardo1,2, A Giancotti3, A Antonelli1
1Department of Radiological, Oncological and Pathological Sciences, Policlinico Umberto I Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, Rome, Italy.
Purpose:
Real-time virtual sonography (RVS) is a new technique that synchronizes real-time ultrasonography (US) and multiplanar reconstructed magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and ability of RVS to assess the main pathologies in fetuses with suspected US anomalies.
Method And Materials:
Real-time virtual sonography (Hitachi, HI VISION Ascendus) was offered to 30 patients who had undergone fetal MRI. The acquired MRI image dataset was loaded into the fusion system and displayed together with the real-time US image. The ability of RVS to assess the main anatomical sites and fetal anomalies was evaluated.
Results:
Real-time virtual sonography was technically possible in all cases. From a total of 30 patients, RVS helped the diagnosis in 10 cases. In 15 cases of encephalic pathology, fusion imaging improved the accuracy of the diagnosis; in the other 5 cases, MRI was superior to US even when using the RVS.
Conclusion:
This is a study on the feasibility and practical use of RVS. Thanks to information from both US and MRI, RVS allowed better identification of the fetal pathologies and improved the performance of the ultrasound examination. In our experience, it was really helpful in pathologies that would benefit from US follow-up.
Related Concept Videos
Ultrasonography
During an ultrasonography procedure, a handheld device called...
Imaging Studies IV: Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Ultrasound II: Endoscopic Ultrasound and FibroScan
Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS):
Imaging Studies II: Ultrasonography
Ultrasound I: Abdominal Ultrasonography
Abdominal ultrasonography, commonly known as abdominal ultrasound, is a vital, non-invasive medical imaging technique widely used in healthcare.
Procedure:
This diagnostic tool allows the clinician to visually inspect internal structures within the abdomen, including vital organs such as the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, kidneys, and spleen.
The abdominal ultrasound process begins with applying a special gel to the patient's skin over the abdomen. This gel enhances the...
Magnetic Resonance Imaging

