1
|
George E, Jaimes C, Xu D, Kasprian G, Glenn OA. How to Perform Fetal MR Imaging. Magn Reson Imaging Clin N Am 2024; 32:443-457. [PMID: 38944433 DOI: 10.1016/j.mric.2024.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/01/2024]
Abstract
This article provides the readers with practical guidance on how to perform fetal MR imaging, including technical considerations such as scanner field strength and use of appropriate radiofrequency receive coils, and summarizes the role, strengths, and limitations of the various MR imaging sequences. The authors review the various factors to consider in scan preparation, including study indication, timing, maternal preparation, and the creation of an institutional fetal imaging protocol. Additional factors that go into scan optimization during acquisition including prioritizing maternal comfort and ways to troubleshoot various artifacts that maybe encountered in fetal imaging are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth George
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California, 505 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.
| | - Camilo Jaimes
- Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Duan Xu
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California, 1700 4th Street BH303B, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Gregor Kasprian
- Division of Neuroradiology, Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-21, Vienna 1090, Austria
| | - Orit A Glenn
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California, 505 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Ayala K, Huynh C, Voegtline K, Rutherford HJ. Made to move: A review of measurement strategies to characterize heterogeneity in normal fetal movement. Infant Behav Dev 2024; 75:101949. [PMID: 38663329 DOI: 10.1016/j.infbeh.2024.101949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Fetal movement is a crucial indicator of fetal well-being. Characteristics of fetal movement vary across gestation, posing challenges for researchers to determine the most suitable assessment of fetal movement for their study. We summarize the current measurement strategies used to assess fetal movement and conduct a comprehensive review of studies utilizing these methods. We critically evaluate various measurement approaches including subjective maternal perception, ultrasound, Doppler ultrasound, wearable technology, magnetocardiograms, and magnetic resonance imaging, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses. We discuss the challenges of accurately capturing fetal movement, which is influenced by factors such as differences in recording times, gestational ages, sample sizes, environmental conditions, subjective perceptions, and characterization across studies. We also highlight the clinical implications of heterogeneity in fetal movement assessment for monitoring fetal behavior, predicting adverse outcomes, and improving maternal attachment to the fetus. Lastly, we propose potential areas of future research to overcome the current gaps and challenges in measuring and characterizing abnormal fetal movement. Our review contributes to the growing body of literature on fetal movement assessment and provides insights into the methodological considerations and potential applications for research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kathy Ayala
- Yale University, Yale University School of Medicine, Yale Child Study Center, USA.
| | - Christina Huynh
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, USA.
| | - Kristin Voegtline
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, USA; Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, USA.
| | - Helena Jv Rutherford
- Yale University, Yale University School of Medicine, Yale Child Study Center, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Tarui T, Gimovsky AC, Madan N. Fetal neuroimaging applications for diagnosis and counseling of brain anomalies: Current practice and future diagnostic strategies. Semin Fetal Neonatal Med 2024; 29:101525. [PMID: 38632010 PMCID: PMC11156536 DOI: 10.1016/j.siny.2024.101525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Advances in fetal brain neuroimaging, especially fetal neurosonography and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), allow safe and accurate anatomical assessments of fetal brain structures that serve as a foundation for prenatal diagnosis and counseling regarding fetal brain anomalies. Fetal neurosonography strategically assesses fetal brain anomalies suspected by screening ultrasound. Fetal brain MRI has unique technological features that overcome the anatomical limits of smaller fetal brain size and the unpredictable variable of intrauterine motion artifact. Recent studies of fetal brain MRI provide evidence of improved diagnostic and prognostic accuracy, beginning with prenatal diagnosis. Despite technological advances over the last several decades, the combined use of different qualitative structural biomarkers has limitations in providing an accurate prognosis. Quantitative analyses of fetal brain MRIs offer measurable imaging biomarkers that will more accurately associate with clinical outcomes. First-trimester ultrasound opens new opportunities for risk assessment and fetal brain anomaly diagnosis at the earliest time in pregnancy. This review includes a case vignette to illustrate how fetal brain MRI results interpreted by the fetal neurologist can improve diagnostic perspectives. The strength and limitations of conventional ultrasound and fetal brain MRI will be compared with recent research advances in quantitative methods to better correlate fetal neuroimaging biomarkers of neuropathology to predict functional childhood deficits. Discussion of these fetal sonogram and brain MRI advances will highlight the need for further interdisciplinary collaboration using complementary skills to continue improving clinical decision-making following precision medicine principles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tomo Tarui
- Pediatric Neurology, Pediatrics, Hasbro Children's Hospital, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.
| | - Alexis C Gimovsky
- Maternal Fetal Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Neel Madan
- Neuroradiology, Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Maralani PJ, Pai V, Ertl-Wagner BB. Safety of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Pregnancy. RADIOLOGIE (HEIDELBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 63:34-40. [PMID: 37747489 DOI: 10.1007/s00117-023-01207-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Magnetic resonance imaging is being increasingly used to diagnose and follow up a variety of medical conditions in pregnancy, both for maternal and fetal indications. However, limited data regarding its safe use in pregnancy may be a source of anxiety and avoidance for both patients and their healthcare providers. In this review, we critically discuss the main safety concerns of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in pregnancy including energy deposition, acoustic noise, and use of contrast agents, supported by data from animal and human studies. Use of maternal sedatives and concerns related to occupational exposure in pregnant personnel are also addressed. Exposure to gadolinium-based contrast agents and sedation for MRI during pregnancy should be avoided whenever feasible.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pejman Jabehdar Maralani
- Department of Medical Imaging, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Bayview Avenue, Room AG270C, 2075, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Vivek Pai
- Department of Medical Imaging, University of Toronto, The Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Ave, M5G 1X8, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Birgit B Ertl-Wagner
- Department of Medical Imaging, University of Toronto, The Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Ave, M5G 1X8, Toronto, ON, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Powers AM, White C, Neuberger I, Maloney JA, Stence NV, Mirsky D. Fetal MRI Neuroradiology: Indications. Clin Perinatol 2022; 49:573-586. [PMID: 36113923 DOI: 10.1016/j.clp.2022.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andria M Powers
- Children's Hospital and Medical Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 8200 Dodge Street, Omaha, NE 68114, USA.
| | - Christina White
- Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital Colorado, University of Colorado, 13123 E. 16th Avenue, Box 125, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Ilana Neuberger
- Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital Colorado, University of Colorado, 13123 E. 16th Avenue, Box 125, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - John A Maloney
- Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital Colorado, University of Colorado, 13123 E. 16th Avenue, Box 125, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Nicholas V Stence
- Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital Colorado, University of Colorado, 13123 E. 16th Avenue, Box 125, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - David Mirsky
- Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital Colorado, University of Colorado, 13123 E. 16th Avenue, Box 125, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Stout JN, Bedoya MA, Grant PE, Estroff JA. Fetal Neuroimaging Updates. Magn Reson Imaging Clin N Am 2021; 29:557-581. [PMID: 34717845 PMCID: PMC8562558 DOI: 10.1016/j.mric.2021.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
MR imaging is used in conjunction with ultrasound screening for fetal brain abnormalities because it offers better contrast, higher resolution, and has multiplanar capabilities that increase the accuracy and confidence of diagnosis. Fetal motion still severely limits the MR imaging sequences that can be acquired. We outline the current acquisition strategies for fetal brain MR imaging and discuss the near term advances that will improve its reliability. Prospective and retrospective motion correction aim to make the complement of MR neuroimaging modalities available for fetal diagnosis, improve the performance of existing modalities, and open new horizons to understanding in utero brain development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey N Stout
- Fetal and Neonatal Neuroimaging and Developmental Science Center, Boston Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - M Alejandra Bedoya
- Department of Radiology, Boston Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - P Ellen Grant
- Fetal and Neonatal Neuroimaging and Developmental Science Center, Boston Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Radiology, Boston Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Judy A Estroff
- Department of Radiology, Boston Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Maternal Fetal Care Center, Boston Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Jabehdar Maralani P, Kapadia A, Liu G, Moretti F, Ghandehari H, Clarke SE, Wiebe S, Garel J, Ertl-Wagner B, Hurrell C, Schieda N. Canadian Association of Radiologists Recommendations for the Safe Use of MRI During Pregnancy. Can Assoc Radiol J 2021; 73:56-67. [PMID: 34000852 DOI: 10.1177/08465371211015657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) during pregnancy is associated with concerns among patients and health professionals with regards to fetal safety. In this work, the Canadian Association of Radiologists (CAR) Working Group on MRI in Pregnancy presents recommendations for the use of MRI in pregnancy, derived from literature review as well as expert panel opinions and discussions. The working group, which consists of academic subspecialty radiologists and obstetrician-gynaecologists, aimed to provide updated, evidence-based recommendations addressing safety domains related to energy deposition, acoustic noise, and gadolinium-based contrast agent use based on magnetic field strength (1.5T and 3T) and trimester scanned, in addition to the effects of sedative use and occupational exposure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Anish Kapadia
- Department of Medical Imaging, 7938University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Grace Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 7938University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Felipe Moretti
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 12365University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Hournaz Ghandehari
- Department of Medical Imaging, 7938University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sharon E Clarke
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, 3688Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Sheldon Wiebe
- Department of Medical Imaging, 12371University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Juliette Garel
- Département de radiologie, radio-oncologie et médecine nucléaire, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Birgit Ertl-Wagner
- Department of Medical Imaging, 7938University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Casey Hurrell
- Research and Policy Development - Canadian Association of Radiologists, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nicola Schieda
- Department of Radiology, 12365University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Coblentz AC, Teixeira SR, Mirsky DM, Johnson AM, Feygin T, Victoria T. How to read a fetal magnetic resonance image 101. Pediatr Radiol 2020; 50:1810-1829. [PMID: 33252751 DOI: 10.1007/s00247-020-04768-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Revised: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Accurate antenatal diagnosis is essential for planning appropriate pregnancy management and improving perinatal outcomes. The provision of information vital for prognostication is a crucial component of prenatal imaging, and this can be enhanced by the use of fetal MRI. Image acquisition, interpretation and reporting of a fetal MR study can be daunting to the individual who has encountered few or none of these examinations. This article provides the radiology trainee with a general approach to interpreting a fetal MRI. The authors review the added value of prenatal MRI in the overall assessment of fetal wellbeing, discuss MRI protocols and techniques, and review the normal appearance of maternal and fetal anatomy. The paper concludes with a sample template for structured reporting, to serve as a checklist and guideline for reporting radiologists.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ailish C Coblentz
- Radiology Department, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 34th Street and Civic Center Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA, 10104, USA
| | - Sara R Teixeira
- Radiology Department, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 34th Street and Civic Center Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA, 10104, USA
| | - David M Mirsky
- Neuroradiology Department, Children's Hospital of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Ann M Johnson
- Radiology Department, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 34th Street and Civic Center Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA, 10104, USA
| | - Tamara Feygin
- Radiology Department, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 34th Street and Civic Center Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA, 10104, USA
| | - Teresa Victoria
- Radiology Department, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 34th Street and Civic Center Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA, 10104, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Zhang M, Xu J, Turk EA, Grant PE, Golland P, Adalsteinsson E. Enhanced detection of fetal pose in 3D MRI by Deep Reinforcement Learning with physical structure priors on anatomy. MEDICAL IMAGE COMPUTING AND COMPUTER-ASSISTED INTERVENTION : MICCAI ... INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON MEDICAL IMAGE COMPUTING AND COMPUTER-ASSISTED INTERVENTION 2020; 12266:396-405. [PMID: 36383496 PMCID: PMC9652030 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-59725-2_38] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Fetal MRI is heavily constrained by unpredictable and substantial fetal motion that causes image artifacts and limits the set of viable diagnostic image contrasts. Current mitigation of motion artifacts is predominantly performed by fast, single-shot MRI and retrospective motion correction. Estimation of fetal pose in real time during MRI stands to benefit prospective methods to detect and mitigate fetal motion artifacts where inferred fetal motion is combined with online slice prescription with low-latency decision making. Current developments of deep reinforcement learning (DRL), offer a novel approach for fetal landmarks detection. In this task 15 agents are deployed to detect 15 landmarks simultaneously by DRL. The optimization is challenging, and here we propose an improved DRL that incorporates priors on physical structure of the fetal body. First, we use graph communication layers to improve the communication among agents based on a graph where each node represents a fetal-body landmark. Further, additional reward based on the distance between agents and physical structures such as the fetal limbs is used to fully exploit physical structure. Evaluation of this method on a repository of 3-mm resolution in vivo data demonstrates a mean accuracy of landmark estimation within 10 mm of ground truth as 87.3%, and a mean error of 6.9 mm. The proposed DRL for fetal pose landmark search demonstrates a potential clinical utility for online detection of fetal motion that guides real-time mitigation of motion artifacts as well as health diagnosis during MRI of the pregnant mother.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Molin Zhang
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Junshen Xu
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Esra Abaci Turk
- Fetal-Neonatal Neuroimaging and Developmental Science Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - P Ellen Grant
- Fetal-Neonatal Neuroimaging and Developmental Science Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Polina Golland
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Elfar Adalsteinsson
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Meyers ML, Brown BP. Placental magnetic resonance imaging Part I: the normal placenta. Pediatr Radiol 2020; 50:264-274. [PMID: 31975184 DOI: 10.1007/s00247-019-04520-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2018] [Revised: 07/09/2019] [Accepted: 08/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Mounting evidence suggests that the placenta is involved in nearly all abnormalities of pregnancy and fetal development. Traditional imaging evaluation of the placenta by ultrasound has more recently been complemented by MRI for complex cases requiring additional information, such as in the diagnosis of the placenta accreta spectrum (placenta accreta, increta and percreta). MRI can often help delineate the safest approach to delivery and adds diagnostic certainty to enable prognostication and to avoid potentially lethal complications. Increasingly, prenatal MRI has become the purview of the pediatric imager and is becoming the standard of care for select gestational indications. However, placental MRI might be unfamiliar to the radiologist. Thus, we provide a simple and systematic approach to evaluating the placenta by MRI, to enable delivery planning and family counseling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mariana L Meyers
- Pediatric Section, Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital Colorado, University of Colorado School of Medicine, 13123 E. 16th Ave., Aurora, CO, 80045, USA. .,Colorado Fetal Care Center, Aurora, CO, USA.
| | - Brandon P Brown
- Division of Pediatric Radiology, Riley Hospital for Children, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA.,The Fetal Center at Riley Children's Health, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| |
Collapse
|