Incidental maternal findings on fetal MRI

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Obstetrics
• Maternal-Fetal Medicine

Background:

• Fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a valuable tool for evaluating fetal anatomy.
• Incidental findings in maternal anatomy can occur during these examinations.
• Understanding the frequency and significance of these maternal findings is important for clinical management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the incidence and types of incidental maternal findings during fetal MRI.
• To assess the clinical significance and need for follow-up of these incidental findings.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective single-center study of consecutive fetal MRI examinations (July 2017 - May 2021).
• Two radiologists independently reviewed studies to identify and categorize maternal findings.
• Exclusion of non-diagnostic exams and maternal indication MRI scans.

Main Results:

• 455 fetal MRI examinations in 429 women were analyzed.
• Incidental maternal findings were present in 58% of studies.
• Most common findings included umbilical hernias (35%), hydronephrosis (19%), and hydro-ureter (15%).
• Clinically significant findings were rare (0.5%), including pancreatic pseudocyst and ovarian cyst.

Conclusions:

• Incidental maternal findings are frequently identified on fetal MRI.
• The majority of these findings are of no clinical significance and do not require further follow-up.
• Fetal MRI can incidentally detect maternal conditions, but significant pathology requiring intervention is uncommon.