Magnetic resonance imaging in human pregnancy

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Diagnostic Imaging
• Medical Physics

Background:

• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a novel, noninvasive diagnostic modality.
• It avoids ionizing radiation and has no known adverse biologic effects.
• MRI produces high-resolution, cross-sectional body images, potentially offering advantages over sonography and computed axial tomography.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the clinical utility of MRI in obstetrics.
• To evaluate MRI's role in diagnosing abnormal pregnancies.

Main Methods:

• MRI was utilized to examine 11 women diagnosed with abnormal pregnancies.
• Prior ultrasound examinations identified various abnormalities, including fetal malformations, altered amniotic fluid volume, adnexal masses, and molar pregnancies.

Main Results:

• Maternal anatomy was clearly visualized in all subjects.
• Detailed fetal imaging was achieved, particularly useful in cases of oligohydramnios.
• Prominent depiction of fetal subcutaneous fat suggests potential for nutritional status assessment.

Conclusions:

• Preliminary findings indicate MRI is a valuable adjunct for visualizing normal and abnormal maternal anatomy.
• MRI is anticipated to be beneficial for fetal evaluation, especially intracranial anatomy and in pregnancies with oligohydramnios.
• The technology shows promise for assessing fetal nutritional status.