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Published on: April 26, 2019
Demonstration of Human Fetal Bone Morphology with MR Imaging: A Preliminary Study
Yoshiko Matsubara1, Toru Higaki1, Chihiro Tani2
1Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University.
Purpose:
CT is a useful modality for the evaluation of fetal skeletal dysplasia but radiation exposure is unavoidable. The purpose of this study is to compare the usefulness of MRI and CT for evaluating the fetal skeletal shape.
Methods:
This study was approved by our Institutional Review Board. Fetal specimens (n = 14) were scanned on a 3T MRI scanner using our newly-developed sequence. It is based on T2*-weighted imaging (TR, 12 ms; TE for opposed-phase imaging, 6.1 ms, for in-phase imaging, 7.3 ms; flip angle, 40°). The specimens were also scanned on a 320 detector-row CT scanner. Four radiologists visually graded and compared the visibility of the bone shape of eight regions on MRI- and CT-scans using a 5-point grading system.
Results:
The diagnostic ability of MRI with respect to the 5th metacarpals, femur, fibula, and pelvis was superior to CT (all, P < 0.050); there was no significant difference in the evaluation results of observers with respect to the cervical and lumbar spine, and the 5th metatarsal (0.058 ≤ P ≤ 1.000). However, the diagnostic ability of MRI was significantly inferior to CT for the assessment of the bone shape of the thoracic spine (observers A and C: P = 0.002, observers B and D: P = 0.001).
Conclusion:
The MRI method we developed represents a potential alternative to CT imaging for the evaluation of the fetal bone structure.
Insights
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) shows promise as an alternative to computed tomography (CT) for evaluating fetal skeletal dysplasia, offering superior visualization of certain bones without radiation exposure.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Radiology
- Fetal Medicine
Background:
- Computed tomography (CT) is valuable for diagnosing fetal skeletal dysplasia, but involves radiation exposure.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) offers a radiation-free alternative for fetal imaging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the diagnostic utility of a novel MRI technique with CT for assessing fetal skeletal shape.
Main Methods:
- Fourteen fetal specimens were scanned using 3T MRI with a T2*-weighted sequence and a 320-detector row CT scanner.
- Radiologists graded bone visibility in eight regions using a 5-point scale for both MRI and CT scans.
Main Results:
- MRI demonstrated superior diagnostic ability for the 5th metacarpals, femur, fibula, and pelvis compared to CT (P < 0.050).
- No significant differences were observed for the cervical spine, lumbar spine, and 5th metatarsal.
- CT was significantly better than MRI for evaluating the thoracic spine's bone shape.
Conclusions:
- The developed MRI technique is a potential alternative to CT for fetal bone structure evaluation.
- MRI offers advantages in visualizing specific fetal skeletal elements without radiation.
