Image-quality optimization and artifact reduction in fetal magnetic resonance imaging
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Updated: Nov 28, 2025
Human Fetal Blood Flow Quantification with Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Motion Compensation
Published on: January 7, 2021
Fedel Machado-Rivas1,2, Camilo Jaimes2,3, John E Kirsch1,2
1Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit St., Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
Abstract:
Fetal MRI allows for earlier and better detection of complex congenital anomalies. However, its diagnostic utility is often limited by technical barriers that introduce artifacts and reduce image quality. The main determinants of fetal MR image quality are speed of acquisition, spatial resolution and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Imaging optimization is a challenge because a change to improve one scan parameter often leads to worsening of another. Moreover, the recent introduction of fetal MRI on 3-tesla (T) scanners to achieve better SNR can amplify some technical issues. Motion, banding artifacts and aliasing artifacts impact the quality of fetal acquisitions at any field strength. High specific absorption rate (SAR) and artifacts from inhomogeneities in the radiofrequency field are important limitations of high-field-strength imaging. We discuss technical barriers that impact image quality and are important limitations to prenatal MRI diagnosis, and propose solutions to improve image quality and reduce artifacts.
Insights
Fetal MRI improves detection of congenital anomalies but faces technical challenges. Optimizing imaging parameters is key to overcoming artifacts and enhancing diagnostic accuracy in prenatal MRI.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Radiology
- Obstetrics
Background:
- Fetal MRI is crucial for early detection of complex congenital anomalies.
- Image quality is often compromised by technical barriers, limiting diagnostic utility.
- Key determinants of fetal MRI quality include acquisition speed, spatial resolution, and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR).
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss technical barriers impacting fetal MRI image quality.
- To propose solutions for improving image quality and reducing artifacts in prenatal MRI.
- To address challenges specific to high-field-strength (3-tesla) fetal MRI.
Main Methods:
- Review of technical limitations in fetal MRI acquisition.
- Analysis of factors affecting image quality, including motion and artifacts.
- Discussion of optimization strategies for fetal MRI parameters.
Main Results:
- Technical barriers like motion, banding, and aliasing artifacts degrade fetal MRI quality.
- High specific absorption rate (SAR) and radiofrequency field inhomogeneities are limitations of high-field imaging.
- Optimizing one parameter often negatively affects others, presenting a complex challenge.
Conclusions:
- Addressing technical barriers is essential for enhancing prenatal MRI diagnostic accuracy.
- Solutions are needed to improve image quality and minimize artifacts in fetal MRI.
- Further research into optimized protocols for fetal MRI, especially at 3T, is warranted.
