Matos APP, Duarte LDB, Castro PT, Daltro P, Werner Júnior H, Araujo Júnior E. Evaluation of the fetal abdomen by magnetic resonance imaging. Part 1: malformations of the abdominal cavity.
Radiol Bras 2018;
51:112-118. [PMID:
29743740 PMCID:
PMC5935407 DOI:
10.1590/0100-3984.2016.0140]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Although ultrasound continues to be the mainstay modality for the evaluation of
fetal disorders, fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has often been used as a
valuable adjunct in recent years. The exponential growth of the use of fetal MRI
has been facilitated by technological advancements such as ultrafast T2-weighted
sequences and diffusion-weighted imaging. Fetal MRI can achieve results that are
comparable to or better than those of ultrasound, particularly in cases of
maternal obesity, severe oligohydramnios, or abnormal fetal position. Because of
its superior soft tissue contrast, wide field of view, and multiplanar imaging,
fetal MRI is able to evaluate the large fetal organs, such as the lungs, liver,
bowel, and kidneys. In addition, fetal MRI allows large or complex malformations
to be examined, facilitating the understanding of the malformation within the
context of the body as a whole. Initial fetal MRI studies were focused on the
central nervous system. With advances in software and hardware, fetal MRI gained
importance in the evaluation of the fetal abdomen. The purpose of this article
is to review the recent literature and developments in MRI evaluation of the
fetal abdomen, with an emphasis on imaging aspects, protocols, and common
clinical indications.
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