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Fetal lung MRI and features predicting post-natal outcome: a scoping review of the current literature
Elspeth Whitby1, Trevor Gaunt2,3
1University of Sheffield and Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS foundation Trust, England, United Kingdom.
Insights
Predicting infant outcomes from fetal lung pathologies is challenging as pulmonary hypoplasia is often undetectable before birth. This review examines current and emerging imaging techniques for assessing lung development.
Area of Science:
- Medical imaging
- Neonatal medicine
- Fetal development
Background:
- Infant outcomes with fetal lung pathologies depend on pathology type and impact on lung development.
- Pulmonary hypoplasia is a key prognostic factor but is not detectable pre-natally.
- Current imaging methods use surrogate measurements like lung volume and MRI signal intensity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize current applications of imaging techniques for fetal lung pathologies.
- To identify promising imaging techniques requiring further investigation.
- To address the complexity and lack of consistent methodology in existing research.
Main Methods:
- Scoping review of current literature.
- Analysis of various imaging techniques and surrogate measurements.
- Assessment of research studies on fetal lung pathology assessment.
Main Results:
- Imaging techniques aim to estimate fetal lung development and pathology impact.
- Lung volume and MRI signal intensity are key surrogate measurements.
- Significant variability and lack of consistent methodology exist across studies.
Conclusions:
- Accurate pre-natal detection of pulmonary hypoplasia remains a challenge.
- Advanced imaging techniques show promise for improved fetal lung assessment.
- Further research with consistent methodology is needed to refine these techniques.
Abstract:
The outcome for infants with fetal lung pathologies not only depends on the nature of the pathology, but the impact it has on the developing lungs. The main prognostic factor is the degree of pulmonary hypoplasia, but this is not detectable pre-natally. Imaging techniques aim to simulate these features with a variety of surrogate measurements, including lung volume and MRI signal intensity. Despite the complexity of the various research studies and lack of consistent methodology, this scoping review aims to summarise current applications, and promising techniques requiring further investigation.
