Fetal MRI Neuroradiology: Indications

Andria M Powers; Christina White; Ilana Neuberger; John A Maloney; Nicholas V Stence; David Mirsky

doi:10.1016/j.clp.2022.05.001

Fetal MRI Neuroradiology: Indications

Clin Perinatol. 2022 Sep;49(3):573-586. doi: 10.1016/j.clp.2022.05.001.

Authors

Andria M Powers¹, Christina White², Ilana Neuberger², John A Maloney², Nicholas V Stence², David Mirsky²

Affiliations

¹ Children's Hospital and Medical Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 8200 Dodge Street, Omaha, NE 68114, USA. Electronic address: anpowers@childrensomaha.org.
² Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital Colorado, University of Colorado, 13123 E. 16th Avenue, Box 125, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.

PMID: 36113923
DOI: 10.1016/j.clp.2022.05.001

Abstract

Fetal MRI is a safe, noninvasive examination of the fetus and placenta, a complement to ultrasonography. MRI provides detailed CNS evaluation, including depicting parenchymal architecture and posterior fossa morphology, and is key in prenatal assessment of spinal dysraphism, neck masses, and ventriculomegaly. Fetal MRI is typically performed after 22 weeks gestation, and ultrafast T1 and T2-weighted MRI sequences are the core of the exam, with advanced sequences such as diffusion weighted imaging used for specific questions. The fetal brain grows and develops rapidly, and familiarity with gestational age specific norms is essential to MRI interpretation.

Keywords: Fetal; MRI; MRI safety; Neuroimaging fetal development.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Female
Fetus* / diagnostic imaging
Gestational Age
Humans
Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods
Pregnancy
Prenatal Care
Prenatal Diagnosis* / methods