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Maher S, Seed M. Fetal Cardiovascular MR Imaging. Magn Reson Imaging Clin N Am 2024; 32:479-487. [PMID: 38944435 DOI: 10.1016/j.mric.2024.04.008] [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
Prenatal diagnosis of congenital heart disease allows for appropriate planning of delivery and an opportunity to inform families about the prognosis of the cardiac malformation. On occasion, prenatal therapies may be offered to improve perinatal outcomes. While ultrasound is the primary diagnostic method, advances have led to interest in fetal MRI for its potential to aid in clinical decision-making. This review explores technical innovations and the clinical utility of fetal cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR), highlighting its role in diagnosing and planning interventions for complex heart conditions. Future directions include the prediction of perinatal physiology and guidance of delivery planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samer Maher
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mike Seed
- Cardiology, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, 170 Elizabeth Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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Desmond A, Nguyen K, Watterson CT, Sklansky M, Satou GM, Prosper AE, Garg M, Van Arsdell GS, Finn JP, Afshar Y. Integration of Prenatal Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Congenital Heart Disease. J Am Heart Assoc 2023; 12:e030640. [PMID: 37982254 PMCID: PMC10727279 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.123.030640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
Standard of care echocardiography can have limited diagnostic accuracy in certain cases of fetal congenital heart disease. Prenatal cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging has potential to provide additional anatomic imaging information, including excellent soft tissue images in multiple planes, improving prenatal diagnostics and in utero hemodynamic assessment. We conducted a literature review of fetal CMR, including its development and implementation into clinical practice, and compiled and analyzed the results. Our findings included the fact that technological and innovative approaches are required to overcome some of the challenges in fetal CMR, in part due to the dynamic nature of the fetal heart. A number of reconstruction algorithms and cardiac gating strategies have been developed over time to improve fetal CMR image quality, allowing unique investigations into fetal hemodynamics, oxygenation, and growth. Studies demonstrate that incorporating CMR in the prenatal arena influences postnatal clinical management. With further refinement and experience, fetal CMR in congenital heart disease continues to evolve and demonstrate ongoing potential as a complementary imaging modality to fetal echocardiography in the care of these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Desmond
- Division of Neonatology, Department of PediatricsUCLA Mattel Children’s HospitalLos AngelesCAUSA
| | - Kim‐Lien Nguyen
- Diagnostic Cardiovascular Imaging Laboratory, Department of Radiological SciencesDavid Geffen School of Medicine, UCLALos AngelesCAUSA
- Division of CardiologyDavid Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare SystemLos AngelesCAUSA
- Department of Radiological SciencesDavid Geffen School of Medicine, UCLALos AngelesCAUSA
| | | | - Mark Sklansky
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of PediatricsDavid Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA Mattel Children’s HospitalLos AngelesCAUSA
| | - Gary M. Satou
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of PediatricsDavid Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA Mattel Children’s HospitalLos AngelesCAUSA
| | - Ashley E. Prosper
- Diagnostic Cardiovascular Imaging Laboratory, Department of Radiological SciencesDavid Geffen School of Medicine, UCLALos AngelesCAUSA
- Department of Radiological SciencesDavid Geffen School of Medicine, UCLALos AngelesCAUSA
| | - Meena Garg
- Division of Neonatology, Department of PediatricsUCLA Mattel Children’s HospitalLos AngelesCAUSA
| | - Glen S. Van Arsdell
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, Department of SurgeryDavid Geffen School of Medicine, UCLALos AngelesCAUSA
| | - J. Paul Finn
- Diagnostic Cardiovascular Imaging Laboratory, Department of Radiological SciencesDavid Geffen School of Medicine, UCLALos AngelesCAUSA
- Division of CardiologyDavid Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare SystemLos AngelesCAUSA
- Department of Radiological SciencesDavid Geffen School of Medicine, UCLALos AngelesCAUSA
| | - Yalda Afshar
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyDavid Geffen School of Medicine, UCLALos AngelesCAUSA
- Molecular Biology InstituteUniversity of CaliforniaLos AngelesCAUSA
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Udine M, Loke YH, Goudar S, Donofrio MT, Truong U, Krishnan A. The current state and potential innovation of fetal cardiac MRI. Front Pediatr 2023; 11:1219091. [PMID: 37520049 PMCID: PMC10375913 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2023.1219091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Fetal cardiac MRI is a rapidly evolving form of diagnostic testing with utility as a complementary imaging modality for the diagnosis of congenital heart disease and assessment of the fetal cardiovascular system. Previous technical limitations without cardiac gating for the fetal heart rate has been overcome with recent technology. There is potential utility of fetal electrocardiography for direct cardiac gating. In addition to anatomic assessment, innovative technology has allowed for assessment of blood flow, 3D datasets, and 4D flow, providing important insight into fetal cardiovascular physiology. Despite remaining technical barriers, with increased use of fCMR worldwide, it will become an important clinical tool to improve the prenatal care of fetuses with CHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Udine
- Division of Cardiology, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC, United States
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van Amerom JFP, Goolaub DS, Schrauben EM, Sun L, Macgowan CK, Seed M. Fetal cardiovascular blood flow MRI: techniques and applications. Br J Radiol 2023; 96:20211096. [PMID: 35687661 PMCID: PMC10321246 DOI: 10.1259/bjr.20211096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Fetal cardiac MRI is challenging due to fetal and maternal movements as well as the need for a reliable cardiac gating signal and high spatiotemporal resolution. Ongoing research and recent technical developments to address these challenges show the potential of MRI as an adjunct to ultrasound for the assessment of the fetal heart and great vessels. MRI measurements of blood flow have enabled the assessment of normal fetal circulation as well as conditions with disrupted circulations, such as congenital heart disease, along with associated organ underdevelopment and hemodynamic instability. This review provides details of the techniques used in fetal cardiovascular blood flow MRI, including single slice and volumetric imaging sequences, post-processing and analysis, along with a summary of applications in human studies and animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua FP van Amerom
- Division of Translational Medicine, SickKids Research Institute, Toronto, Canada
| | | | - Eric M Schrauben
- Department of Radiology & Nuclear Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Faruk Topaloğlu Ö, Koplay M, Kılınçer A, Örgül G, Sedat Durmaz M. Quantitative measurements and morphological evaluation of fetal cardiovascular structures with fetal cardiac MRI. Eur J Radiol 2023; 163:110828. [PMID: 37059007 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2023.110828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Fetal cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (FCMR) can be used as an imaging modality in fetal cardiovascular evaluation as studied in recent years. We aimed to evaluate cardiovascular morphology using FCMR and to observe the development of cardiovascular structures according to gestational age (GA) in pregnant women. METHOD In our prospective study, 120 pregnant women between 19 and 37 weeks of gestation in whom absence of cardiac anomaly could not be excluded by ultrasonography (US) or, who were referred to us for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for suspected non-cardiovascular system pathology, were included. According to the axis of the fetal heart, axial, coronal, and sagittal multiplanar steady-state free precession (SSFP) and 'real time' untriggered SSFP sequence, respectively, were obtained. The morphology of the cardiovascular structures and their relationships with each other were evaluated, and their sizes were measured. RESULTS Seven cases (6.3%) contained motion artefacts that did not allow the assessment and measurement of cardiovascular morphology, and three (2.9%) cases with cardiac pathology in the analysed images were excluded from the study. The study included a total of 100 cases. Cardiac chamber diameter, heart diameter, heart length, heart area, thoracic diameter, and thoracic area were measured in all fetuses. The diameters of the aorta ascendens (Aa), aortic isthmus (Ai), aorta descendens (Ad), main pulmonary artery (MPA), ductus arteriosus (DA, superior vena cava (SVC), and inferior vena cava (IVC) were measured in all fetuses. The left pulmonary artery (LPA) was visualised in 89 patients (89%). The right PA (RPA) was visualised in 99 (99%) cases. Four pulmonary veins (PVs) were seen in 49 (49%) cases, three in 33 (33%), and two in 18 (18%). High correlation values were found for all diameter measurements performed with GW. CONCLUSION In cases where US cannot achieve adequate image quality, FCMR can contribute to diagnosis. The very short acquisition time and parallel imaging technique with the SSFP sequence allow for adequate image quality without maternal or fetal sedation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mustafa Koplay
- Department of Radiology, Selcuk University, Faculty of Medicine, Konya, Turkey
| | - Abidin Kılınçer
- Department of Radiology, Selcuk University, Faculty of Medicine, Konya, Turkey
| | - Gökçen Örgül
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Selcuk University, Faculty of Medicine, Konya, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Sedat Durmaz
- Department of Radiology, Selcuk University, Faculty of Medicine, Konya, Turkey
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Piek M, Ryd D, Töger J, Testud F, Hedström E, Aletras AH. Fetal 3D cardiovascular cine image acquisition using radial sampling and compressed sensing. Magn Reson Med 2023; 89:594-604. [PMID: 36156292 PMCID: PMC10087603 DOI: 10.1002/mrm.29467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To explore a fetal 3D cardiovascular cine acquisition using a radial image acquisition and compressed-sensing reconstruction and compare image quality and scan time with conventional multislice 2D imaging. METHODS Volumetric fetal cardiac data were acquired in 26 volunteers using a radial 3D balanced SSFP pulse sequence. Cardiac gating was performed using a Doppler ultrasound device. Images were reconstructed using a parallel-imaging and compressed-sensing algorithm. Multiplanar reformatting to standard cardiac views was performed before image analysis. Clinical 2D images were used for comparison. Qualitative and quantitative image evaluation were performed by two experienced observers (scale: 1-4). Volumes, mass, and function were assessed. RESULTS Average scan time for the 3D imaging was 6 min, including one localizer. A 2D imaging stack covering the entire heart including localizer sequences took at least 6.5 min, depending on planning complexity. The 3D acquisition was successful in 7 of 26 subjects (27%). Overall image contrast and perceived resolution were lower in the 3D images. Nonetheless, the 3D images had, on average, a moderate cardiac diagnostic quality (median [range]: 3 [1-4]). Standard clinical 2D acquisitions had a high cardiac diagnostic quality (median [range]: 4 [3, 4]). Cardiac measurements were not different between 2D and 3D images (all p > 0.16). CONCLUSION The presented free-breathing whole-heart fetal 3D radial cine MRI acquisition and reconstruction method enables retrospective visualization of all cardiac views while keeping examination times short. This proof-of-concept work produced images with diagnostic quality, while at the same time reducing the planning complexity to a single localizer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marjolein Piek
- Clinical Physiology, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | - Daniel Ryd
- Clinical Physiology, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | - Johannes Töger
- Clinical Physiology, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | | | - Erik Hedström
- Clinical Physiology, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden.,Diagnostic Radiology, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | - Anthony H Aletras
- Clinical Physiology, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden.,Laboratory of Computing, Medical Informatics and Biomedical-Imaging Technologies, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
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Liu K, Zhu M, Zhang YQ, Chen LJ, Dong SZ. Utility of fetal cardiac magnetic resonance imaging in assessing the cardiac axis in fetuses with congenital heart disease. Pediatr Radiol 2023; 53:910-919. [PMID: 36602571 DOI: 10.1007/s00247-022-05582-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fetal dedicated echocardiography is the standard to measure the fetal cardiac axis. However, fetal screening ultrasound (US) or fetal dedicated echocardiography may be technically limited. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to explore the accuracy of fetal cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to measure the cardiac axis in fetuses with congenital heart disease as an adjunct to fetal dedicated echocardiography and to assess the predictive value of fetal cardiac MRI measurements in distinguishing healthy fetuses from fetuses with congenital heart disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS This is a retrospective study of fetuses referred to our hospital for a fetal cardiac MRI from November 2019 to December 2021. Cardiac axes were measured in the 4-chamber view of the fetal heart using fetal cardiac MRI and dedicated echocardiography, or only using fetal cardiac MRI when screening US was technically limited. The fetuses were divided into a congenital heart disease group and a healthy control group. We used Bland-Altman analysis and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) to assess the agreement of cardiac axis measurements in fetuses with congenital heart disease obtained by cardiac MRI and by fetal dedicated echocardiography. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis of the fetal cardiac axes in the congenital heart disease and healthy fetus groups assessed the predictive value of the cardiac axis measurements. RESULTS This retrospective study included 431 women (162 carrying fetuses with congenital heart disease, 269 carrying healthy fetuses). Cardiac axes were measured in the 162 fetuses with congenital heart disease using fetal cardiac MRI and dedicated echocardiography. Cardiac axes were measured in the 269 healthy control fetuses using fetal cardiac MRI when fetal screening US was technically limited. The interobserver analysis and intraobserver analysis showed that the cardiac axis measured by fetal cardiac MRI and fetal dedicated echocardiography was repeatable (ICC>0.90). In 162 fetuses with congenital heart disease, Bland-Altman analysis showed a strong agreement between cardiac MRI and fetal dedicated echocardiography measurements for the cardiac axis. The ICC for the cardiac axis values between cardiac MRI and fetal dedicated echocardiography measurements was 0.99. In fetuses with congenital heart disease, 64.2% (104/162) had an abnormal cardiac axis. For the fetal cardiac axis in both the 162 fetuses with congenital heart disease and the 269 healthy fetuses, the area under the ROC curve reached 0.85 (95% confidence interval: 0.80-0.89; P<0.0001). CONCLUSION The cardiac axis can be accurately measured using fetal cardiac MRI when fetal dedicated echocardiography/fetal screening US is technically limited. The cardiac axis measurements by fetal cardiac MRI are consistent with known cardiac axis measurements by fetal dedicated echocardiography. The frequency of abnormal cardiac axis depends on the type of congenital heart disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Liu
- Department of Radiology, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 1678 Dongfang Road, Shanghai, 200127, People's Republic of China
| | - Ming Zhu
- Department of Radiology, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 1678 Dongfang Road, Shanghai, 200127, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu-Qi Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Li-Jun Chen
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Su-Zhen Dong
- Department of Radiology, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 1678 Dongfang Road, Shanghai, 200127, People's Republic of China.
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Moerdijk AS, Claessens NH, van Ooijen IM, van Ooij P, Alderliesten T, Grotenhuis HB, Benders MJNL, Bohte AE, Breur JMPJ, Charisopoulou D, Clur SA, Cornette JMJ, Fejzic Z, Franssen MTM, Frerich S, Geerdink LM, Go ATJI, Gommers S, Helbing WA, Hirsch A, Holtackers RJ, Klein WM, Krings GJ, Lamb HJ, Nijman M, Pajkrt E, Planken RN, Schrauben EM, Steenhuis TJ, ter Heide H, Vanagt WYR, van Beynum IM, van Gaalen MD, van Iperen GG, van Schuppen J, Willems TP, Witters I. Fetal MRI of the heart and brain in congenital heart disease. THE LANCET. CHILD & ADOLESCENT HEALTH 2023; 7:59-68. [PMID: 36343660 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-4642(22)00249-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Antenatal assessment of congenital heart disease and associated anomalies by ultrasound has improved perinatal care. Fetal cardiovascular MRI and fetal brain MRI are rapidly evolving for fetal diagnostic testing of congenital heart disease. We give an overview on the use of fetal cardiovascular MRI and fetal brain MRI in congenital heart disease, focusing on the current applications and diagnostic yield of structural and functional imaging during pregnancy. Fetal cardiovascular MRI in congenital heart disease is a promising supplementary imaging method to echocardiography for the diagnosis of antenatal congenital heart disease in weeks 30-40 of pregnancy. Concomitant fetal brain MRI is superior to brain ultrasound to show the complex relationship between fetal haemodynamics in congenital heart disease and brain development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anouk S Moerdijk
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Division of Pediatrics, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Nathalie Hp Claessens
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Division of Pediatrics, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands; Department of Neonatology, Division of Woman and Baby, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Inge M van Ooijen
- Department of Neonatology, Division of Woman and Baby, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Pim van Ooij
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Division of Pediatrics, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Thomas Alderliesten
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Division of Pediatrics, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands; Department of Neonatology, Division of Woman and Baby, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Heynric B Grotenhuis
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Division of Pediatrics, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands.
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Xie L, Xu H, He X, Fu H, Zhang L, Bai W, Li X, Bao L, Xu H, Li X, Guo Y. The potential of 1.5 T magnetic resonance imaging for the evaluation of fetal anomalies of the great vessels. Front Pediatr 2023; 11:1136892. [PMID: 37056942 PMCID: PMC10086421 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2023.1136892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To determine the efficacy of 1.5 T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the diagnosis of anomalies of the fetal great arteries with comparison to fetal ultrasound, and to compare image quality between 1.5 T and 3.0 T MRI in fetal imaging of the great arteries. Methods We compared the results of postnatal exam or surgery and evaluated the application value of prenatal 1.5 T MRI in the assessment of fetal great-vessel anomalies. To further determine the diagnostic potential of 1.5 T MRI, 23 pregnant women with suspected fetal cardiovascular abnormalities who had undergone ultrasound and 3.0 T MRI were enrolled and compared, respectively. Results Prenatal MRI was superior to ultrasound in demonstrating aortic arch and branch abnormalities (sensitivity, 92.86% vs. 83.33%; specificity, 66.67% vs. 20%). The mean quality ratings for fetal MRI at 1.5 T was higher than 3.0 T (P < 0.001). Other than the fast scan speed afforded by 3.0 T MRI, the signal noise ratio (SNR) of 1.5 T MRI were higher than those of 3.0 T MRI; however, the difference in contrast to noise ratio (CNR) between the two imaging modalities was not statistically significant. Conclusions 1.5 T MRI can achieve an overall assessment of fetal great-vessel anomalies, especially aortic arch and branch abnormalities. Therefore, 1.5 T MRI can be considered a supplementary imaging modality for the prenatal assessment of extracardiac great vessels malformations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linjun Xie
- Department of Radiology, Key Laboratory of Obstetric & Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Hong Xu
- Department of Ultrasound, Key Laboratory of Obstetric & Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xuelian He
- Laboratory of Nervous System Injuries and Diseases, Center for Translational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children at Sichuan University, Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Hang Fu
- Department of Radiology, Key Laboratory of Obstetric & Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Lu Zhang
- Department of Radiology, Key Laboratory of Obstetric & Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Wei Bai
- Department of Radiology, Key Laboratory of Obstetric & Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xuesheng Li
- Department of Radiology, Key Laboratory of Obstetric & Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Li Bao
- Department of Radiology, Key Laboratory of Obstetric & Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Huayan Xu
- Department of Radiology, Key Laboratory of Obstetric & Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaohong Li
- National Center for Birth Defects Monitoring of China, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University; Sichuan Birth Defects Clinical Research Center, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Correspondence: Yingkun Guo Xiaohong Li
| | - Yingkun Guo
- Department of Radiology, Key Laboratory of Obstetric & Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Correspondence: Yingkun Guo Xiaohong Li
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The Evolution and Developing Importance of Fetal Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Diagnosis of Congenital Cardiac Anomalies: A Systematic Review. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11237027. [PMID: 36498602 PMCID: PMC9738414 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11237027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a reliable method, with a complementary role to Ultrasound (US) Echocardiography, that can be used to fully comprehend and precisely diagnose congenital cardiac malformations. Besides the anatomical study of the fetal cardiovascular system, it allows us to study the function of the fetal heart, remaining, at the same time, a safe adjunct to the classic fetal echocardiography. MRI also allows for the investigation of cardiac and placental diseases by providing information about hematocrit, oxygen saturation, and blood flow in fetal vessels. It is crucial for fetal medicine specialists and pediatric cardiologists to closely follow the advances of fetal cardiac MRI in order to provide the best possible care. In this review, we summarize the advance in techniques and their practical utility to date.
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Multimodality Imaging of the Neglected Valve: Role of Echocardiography, Cardiac Magnetic Resonance and Cardiac Computed Tomography in Pulmonary Stenosis and Regurgitation. J Imaging 2022; 8:jimaging8100278. [PMID: 36286372 PMCID: PMC9605303 DOI: 10.3390/jimaging8100278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2022] [Revised: 09/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The pulmonary valve (PV) is the least imaged among the heart valves. However, pulmonary regurgitation (PR) and pulmonary stenosis (PS) can occur in a variety of patients ranging from fetuses, newborns (e.g., tetralogy of Fallot) to adults (e.g., endocarditis, carcinoid syndrome, complications of operated tetralogy of Fallot). Due to their complexity, PR and PS are studied using multimodality imaging to assess their mechanism, severity, and hemodynamic consequences. Multimodality imaging is crucial to plan the correct management and to follow up patients with pulmonary valvulopathy. Echocardiography remains the first line methodology to assess patients with PR and PS, but the information obtained with this technique are often integrated with cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and computed tomography (CT). This state-of-the-art review aims to provide an updated overview of the usefulness, strengths, and limits of multimodality imaging in patients with PR and PS.
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Knapp J, Tavares de Sousa M, Schönnagel BP. Fetal Cardiovascular MRI - A Systemic Review of the Literature: Challenges, New Technical Developments, and Perspectives. ROFO-FORTSCHR RONTG 2022; 194:841-851. [PMID: 35905903 DOI: 10.1055/a-1761-3500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has become a valuable adjunct to ultrasound in the prenatal diagnosis of congenital pathologies of the central nervous system, thorax, and abdomen. Fetal cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) was limited, mainly by the lack of cardiac gating, and has only recently evolved due to technical developments. METHOD A literature search was performed on PubMed, focusing on technical advancements to perform fetal CMR. In total, 20 publications on cardiac gating techniques in the human fetus were analyzed. RESULTS Fetal MRI is a safe imaging method with no developmental impairments found to be associated with in utero exposure to MRI. Fetal CMR is challenging due to general drawbacks (e. g., fetal motion) and specific limitations such as the difficulty to generate a cardiac gating signal to achieve high spatiotemporal resolution. Promising technical advancements include new methods for fetal cardiac gating, based on novel post-processing approaches and an external hardware device, as well as motion compensation and acceleration techniques. CONCLUSION Newly developed direct and indirect gating approaches were successfully applied to achieve high-quality morphologic and functional imaging as well as quantitative assessment of fetal hemodynamics in research settings. In cases when prenatal echocardiography is limited, e. g., by an unfavorable fetal position in utero, or when its results are inconclusive, fetal CMR could potentially serve as a valuable adjunct in the prenatal assessment of congenital cardiovascular malformations. However, sufficient data on the diagnostic performance and clinical benefit of new fetal CMR techniques is still lacking. KEY POINTS · New fetal cardiac gating methods allow high-quality fetal CMR.. · Motion compensation and acceleration techniques allow for improvement of image quality.. · Fetal CMR could potentially serve as an adjunct to fetal echocardiography in the future.. CITATION FORMAT · Knapp J, Tavares de Sousa M, Schönnagel BP. Fetal Cardiovascular MRI - A Systemic Review of the Literature: Challenges, New Technical Developments, and Perspectives. Fortschr Röntgenstr 2022; 194: 841 - 851.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janine Knapp
- Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Björn P Schönnagel
- Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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Berggren K, Ryd D, Heiberg E, Aletras AH, Hedström E. Super-Resolution Cine Image Enhancement for Fetal Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging. J Magn Reson Imaging 2021; 56:223-231. [PMID: 34652860 DOI: 10.1002/jmri.27956] [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] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fetal cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) improves the diagnosis of congenital heart defects, but is sensitive to fetal motion due to long image acquisition time. This may be overcome with faster image acquisition with low resolution, followed by image enhancement to provide clinically useful images. PURPOSE To combine phase-encoding undersampling with super-resolution neural networks to achieve high-resolution fetal cine cardiac MR images with short acquisition time. STUDY TYPE Prospective. SUBJECTS Twenty-eight fetuses (gestational week 36 [interquartile range 33-38 weeks]). FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE 1.5 T, balanced steady-state free precession (bSSFP) cine sequence. ASSESSMENT Images were acquired using fully sampled Doppler ultrasound-gated clinical bSSFP cine as reference, with equivalent cine sequences with decreased phase-encoding resolution (25%, 33%, and 50% of clinical standard). Two super-resolution methods based on convolutional neural networks were proposed and evaluated (phasrGAN and phasrresnet). Data were partitioned into training (36 cine slices), validation (3 cine slices), and test sets (67 cine slices) without overlap. Conventional reconstruction methods using bicubic interpolation and k-space zeropadding were used for comparison. Three blinded observers scored image quality between 1 and 10. STATISTICAL TESTS Image scores are reported as median [interquartile range] and were compared using Mann-Whitney's nonparametric test with P < 0.05 showing statistically significant differences. RESULTS Both proposed methods showed no significant difference in image quality compared to clinical images (8 [7-8.5]) down to 33% (phasrGAN 8 [6.5-8]; phasrresnet 8 [7-8], all P ≥ 0.19) phase-encoding resolution, i.e., up to three times faster image acquisition, whereas bicubic interpolation and k-space zeropadding showed significantly lower quality for 33% phase-encoding resolution (both 7 [6-8]). DATA CONCLUSION Super-resolution enhancement can be used for fetal cine cardiac MRI to reduce image acquisition time while maintaining image quality. This may lead to an improved success rate for fetal cine MR imaging, as the impact of fetal motion is lessened by shortened acquisitions. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 1 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klas Berggren
- Clinical Physiology, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, Skane University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | - Daniel Ryd
- Clinical Physiology, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, Skane University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | - Einar Heiberg
- Clinical Physiology, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, Skane University Hospital, Lund, Sweden.,Wallenberg Centre for Molecular Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Anthony H Aletras
- Clinical Physiology, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, Skane University Hospital, Lund, Sweden.,Laboratory of Computing, Medical Informatics and Biomedical-Imaging Technologies, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Erik Hedström
- Clinical Physiology, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, Skane University Hospital, Lund, Sweden.,Diagnostic Radiology, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, Skane University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
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Sun L, Lee FT, van Amerom JFP, Freud L, Jaeggi E, Macgowan CK, Seed M. Update on fetal cardiovascular magnetic resonance and utility in congenital heart disease. JOURNAL OF CONGENITAL CARDIOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1186/s40949-021-00059-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the most common birth defect, affecting approximately eight per thousand newborns. Between one and two neonates per thousand have congenital cardiac lesions that require immediate post-natal treatment to stabilize the circulation, and the management of these patients in particular has been greatly enhanced by prenatal detection. The antenatal diagnosis of CHD has been made possible through the development of fetal echocardiography, which provides excellent visualization of cardiac anatomy and physiology and is widely available. However, late gestational fetal echocardiographic imaging can be hampered by suboptimal sonographic windows, particularly in the setting of oligohydramnios or adverse maternal body habitus.
Main body
Recent advances in fetal cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) technology now provide a feasible alternative that could be helpful when echocardiography is inconclusive or limited. Fetal CMR has also been used to study fetal circulatory physiology in human fetuses with CHD, providing new insights into how these common anatomical abnormalities impact the distribution of blood flow and oxygen across the fetal circulation. In combination with conventional fetal and neonatal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques, fetal CMR can be used to explore the relationship between abnormal cardiovascular physiology and fetal development. Similarly, fetal CMR has been successfully applied in large animal models of the human fetal circulation, aiding in the evaluation of experimental interventions aimed at improving in utero development. With the advent of accelerated image acquisition techniques, post-processing approaches to correcting motion artifacts and commercial MRI compatible cardiotocography units for acquiring gated fetal cardiac imaging, an increasing number of CMR methods including angiography, ventricular volumetry, and the quantification of vessel blood flow and oxygen content are now possible.
Conclusion
Fetal CMR has reached an exciting stage whereby it may now be used to enhance the assessment of cardiac morphology and fetal hemodynamics in the setting of prenatal CHD.
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Salehi D, Fricke K, Bhat M, Arheden H, Liuba P, Hedström E. Utility of Fetal Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance for Prenatal Diagnosis of Complex Congenital Heart Defects. JAMA Netw Open 2021; 4:e213538. [PMID: 33779747 PMCID: PMC8008290 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.3538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 02/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Importance Prenatal diagnosis of complex congenital heart defects reduces mortality and morbidity in affected infants. However, fetal echocardiography can be limited by poor acoustic windows, and there is a need for improved diagnostic methods. Objective To assess the clinical utility of fetal cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging in cases in which fetal echocardiography could not visualize all relevant anatomy. Design, Setting, and Participants This cohort study was conducted between January 20, 2017, and June 29, 2020, at Skåne University Hospital (Lund, Sweden), a tertiary center for pediatric cardiology and thoracic surgery. Participants were fetuses referred for fetal cardiovascular magnetic resonance examination by a pediatric cardiologist after an inconclusive echocardiograph. Exposures Fetal cardiovascular magnetic resonance examination requested by the patient's pediatric cardiologist. Main Outcomes and Measures Any change in patient management because of diagnostic information gained from fetal cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging. Results A total of 31 fetuses underwent cardiovascular magnetic resonance examination at a median gestational age of 36 weeks (range, 31-39 weeks). Overall, fetal cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging had clinical utility, affecting patient management and/or parental counseling in 26 cases (84%). For aortic arch anatomy including signs of coarctation (20 fetuses), fetal cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging added diagnostic information in 16 cases (80%). For assessment of univentricular vs biventricular outcome in borderline left ventricle, unbalanced atrioventricular septal defect, and pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum (15 fetuses), fetal cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging visualized intracardiac anatomy and ventricular function, allowing assessment of outcome in 13 cases (87%). In 4 fetuses with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, fetal cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging helped delivery planning in 3 cases (75%). Finally, fetal cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging provided valuable information for parental counseling in 21 cases (68%). Conclusions and Relevance In this cohort study, fetal cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging added clinically useful information to what was available from echocardiography. These findings suggest that fetal CMR has the potential to affect clinical decision-making in challenging cases of congenital heart defects with inconclusive data from echocardiography. Fetal cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging showed an association with clinical decision-making, including mode of delivery and early postnatal care, as well as with parental counseling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Salehi
- Clinical Physiology, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | - Katrin Fricke
- Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | - Misha Bhat
- Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | - Håkan Arheden
- Clinical Physiology, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | - Petru Liuba
- Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | - Erik Hedström
- Clinical Physiology, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
- Diagnostic Radiology, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
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Leon RL, Ortigoza EB, Ali N, Angelis D, Wolovits JS, Chalak LF. Cerebral Blood Flow Monitoring in High-Risk Fetal and Neonatal Populations. Front Pediatr 2021; 9:748345. [PMID: 35087771 PMCID: PMC8787287 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2021.748345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cerebrovascular pressure autoregulation promotes stable cerebral blood flow (CBF) across a range of arterial blood pressures. Cerebral autoregulation (CA) is a developmental process that reaches maturity around term gestation and can be monitored prenatally with both Doppler ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques. Postnatally, there are key advantages and limitations to assessing CA with Doppler ultrasound, MRI, and near-infrared spectroscopy. Here we review these CBF monitoring techniques as well as their application to both fetal and neonatal populations at risk of perturbations in CBF. Specifically, we discuss CBF monitoring in fetuses with intrauterine growth restriction, anemia, congenital heart disease, neonates born preterm and those with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. We conclude the review with insights into the future directions in this field with an emphasis on collaborative science and precision medicine approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel L Leon
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Eric B Ortigoza
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Noorjahan Ali
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Dimitrios Angelis
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Joshua S Wolovits
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Lina F Chalak
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
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