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Biometric analysis of the foetal meconium pattern using T1 weighted 2D gradient echo MRI
Georgia Hyde1, Andrew Fry2, Ashok Raghavan3
1Academic Unit of Reproductive and Developmental Medicine, The University of Sheffield, Jessop Wing, Tree Root Walk, Sheffield, S10 2SF, United Kingdom.
BJR Open
|November 12, 2020
Summary
This study tracked meconium accumulation in fetal bowels using MRI. Findings show meconium progresses through the large intestine with increasing gestation, aiding in diagnosing fetal bowel issues.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Fetal Medicine
- Neonatal Surgery
Background:
- Fetal MRI is crucial for assessing abnormalities post-ultrasonography.
- Bowel anomalies are a major cause of neonatal morbidity.
- Limited data exists on normal fetal bowel appearance on antenatal MRI.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the pattern of meconium accumulation during gestation using T1-weighted fetal MRI.
- To provide data on normal fetal bowel appearance on MRI for clinical use.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cohort study of 129 fetal body MRI scans (October 2011 - March 2018).
- Meconium presence, length, and width were measured in the large bowel (rectum, sigmoid, splenic, hepatic flexures).
- Small bowel meconium presence and inter/intrarater reliability were assessed.
Main Results:
- Meconium visualization in the large bowel moved proximally with increasing gestational age.
- Small bowel visualization was more prominent in earlier gestations.
- Strong positive correlation found between meconium dimensions and gestational age (r=0.6-1.0).
Conclusions:
- This study offers new insights into fetal meconium accumulation patterns during gestation.
- Results can assist clinicians in diagnosing fetal bowel pathology.
- Contributes to limited research on fetal meconium on MR imaging.
