Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 23, 2025
05:52
Early Pathological and Magnetic Resonance Detection of Cerebral Injury Using a Rat Model of Neonatal Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy
Published on: October 28, 2022
963
Fetal MRI of CNS abnormalities
G Masselli1, M R Vaccaro Notte2, A Zacharzewska-Gondek3
1Department of Radiology, Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.
Clinical Radiology
|May 1, 2020
Summary
Fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a valuable tool that complements ultrasound for diagnosing fetal abnormalities, improving pregnancy outcomes and perinatal care. Advanced MRI techniques minimize fetal motion, enabling clearer imaging of the central nervous system and spine.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Radiology
- Obstetrics
Background:
- Ultrasound (US) is the standard for initial fetal evaluation.
- Fetal MRI is an emerging, non-invasive diagnostic tool.
- MRI offers advantages over US in detecting and characterizing fetal abnormalities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of fetal MRI as an adjunct to US.
- To highlight MRI's utility in confirming or excluding suspected fetal abnormalities.
- To guide radiologists and clinicians in fetal MRI performance and interpretation.
Main Methods:
- Review of current fetal MRI techniques and sequences.
- Discussion of specific sequences like SSFSE, T1-weighted, SSFP, DWI, and MRS.
- Illustration of a spectrum of central nervous system and spinal abnormalities.
Main Results:
- Fetal MRI effectively confirms/excludes abnormalities suspected on US.
- MRI can detect additional abnormalities not seen on US.
- Fast MRI sequences mitigate fetal motion artifacts, improving image quality.
Conclusions:
- Fetal MRI significantly impacts pregnancy management and outcomes.
- MRI is a safe, non-ionizing radiation diagnostic modality.
- This review provides a practical framework for fetal MRI interpretation.
