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Updated: Sep 4, 2025
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Retrospective motion correction in foetal MRI for clinical applications: existing methods, applications and
Alena U Uus1, Alexia Egloff Collado2, Thomas A Roberts1,3
1Department of Biomedical Engineering, School Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, St. Thomas' Hospital, London, United Kingdom.
Abstract:
Foetal MRI is a complementary imaging method to antenatal ultrasound. It provides advanced information for detection and characterisation of foetal brain and body anomalies. Even though modern single shot sequences allow fast acquisition of 2D slices with high in-plane image quality, foetal MRI is intrinsically corrupted by motion. Foetal motion leads to loss of structural continuity and corrupted 3D volumetric information in stacks of slices. Furthermore, the arbitrary and constantly changing position of the foetus requires dynamic readjustment of acquisition planes during scanning.
Insights
Foetal MRI complements ultrasound for detecting fetal anomalies. However, fetal motion during MRI degrades image quality and 3D data, requiring advanced motion correction techniques.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Radiology
- Prenatal Diagnosis
Background:
- Antenatal ultrasound is standard for fetal anomaly screening.
- Foetal MRI offers advanced imaging for fetal brain and body anomalies.
- Current fetal MRI techniques are challenged by intrinsic fetal motion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the role of fetal MRI as a complementary tool to ultrasound.
- To discuss the impact of fetal motion on image quality and 3D data.
- To address the need for dynamic acquisition adjustments in fetal MRI.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing modern single-shot MRI sequences for rapid 2D slice acquisition.
- Employing high in-plane image quality techniques.
- Addressing challenges posed by arbitrary fetal positioning and movement.
Main Results:
- Fetal MRI provides detailed characterization of fetal anomalies.
- Fetal motion introduces artifacts, compromising structural continuity.
- Motion corrupts 3D volumetric data, necessitating motion mitigation strategies.
Conclusions:
- Fetal MRI is a valuable adjunct to antenatal ultrasound for anomaly detection.
- Fetal motion remains a significant challenge in obtaining high-quality fetal MRI data.
- Dynamic acquisition strategies are crucial for overcoming motion artifacts in fetal MRI.
