Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 1, 2025
Human Fetal Blood Flow Quantification with Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Motion Compensation
Published on: January 7, 2021
Measurement of the Brain Volume/Liver Volume Ratio by Three-Dimensional MRI in Appropriate-for-Gestational Age
Kui Li1, Guohui Yan1, Weizeng Zheng1
1Department of Radiology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
Background:
Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is associated with a high fetal brain volume/liver volume (FBV/FLV) ratio. Ultrasound may not always be reliable, which has prompted further investigation of MRI techniques.
Purpose:
To determine the relationship between FBV/FLV ratio, as measured by MRI, and gestational age (GA) in normal fetuses and those with FGR.
Study Type:
Retrospective.
Population:
One hundred and forty seven singleton pregnancies including 105 appropriate-for-gestational age (AGA) fetuses and 42 FGR fetuses.
Field Strength/Sequence:
Three-dimensional fast imaging employing steady-state acquisition at 1.5 T.
Assessment:
The FBV and FLV were measured by three radiologists. The inter- and intraobserver agreements, the correlation between FBV/FLV ratio, and advancing GA were evaluated; the diagnostic value of FBV/FLV ratio was evaluated and compared with head circumference/abdominal circumference (HC/AC) ratio measured by ultrasound.
Statistical Tests:
Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to determine inter- and intraobserver agreements. Regression analysis was used to assess the correlation between FBV/FLV ratio and advancing GA. The diagnostic value of the FBV/FLV ratio was examined by the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.
Results:
The inter- and intraobserver agreements were excellent with an interobserver ICC of 0.984 and intra-observer ICCs of 0.989, 0.994, and 0.995. The FBV/FLV ratio in AGA fetuses decreased significantly with advancing GA (Pearson correlation coefficient = -0.844). The FBV/FLV ratio in FGR fetuses was significantly higher than that in AGA fetuses. To identify fetuses at high risk for FGR using the FBV/FLV ratio, the area under the ROC curve was 0.978, with an optimal cut-off value of 4.10. The sensitivity of FBV/FLV ratio in identifying FGR was significantly higher than that of HC/AC ratio (0.929 vs. 0.529).
Data Conclusion:
An inverse correlation exists between FBV/FLV ratio and advancing GA in normal fetuses. A high FBV/FLV ratio may be used to ascertain fetuses at high risk for FGR.
Level Of Evidence:
3 Technical Efficacy Stage: 3.
