[Magnetic resonance imaging of the fetus. Contribution to antenatal diagnosis].
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the fetus has been developed over the last 10 to 15 years. This new imaging technique cannot remplace ultrasonography which remains the key examination for antenatal diagnosis but can add further improvements over ultrasonographic findings, particularly in evaluating the fetal brain. MRI of the fetus has thus been focused in this area, the main studies aiming at analyzing brain malformations and at searching for ischemic or hemorrhagic lesions and possible gyration anomalies. Advances in data processing software and volume acquisition and the development of the echo-planar technique and T2-weighted sequences are currently under study. MRI of the fetus has thus progressed rapidly. It is however a long costly examination which may not be well tolerated by pregnant women. Currently, routine MRI of the fetus is not possible, because of the requirement for specialized facilities. This new technique, still in the evaluation phase, should be studied using strict protocols reserved for centers specialized in antenatal diagnosis.
Garel
C
C
Service d'Imagerie pédiatrique, Hôpital Robert Debré, Paris.
Sebag
G
G
Brisse
H
H
Elmaleh
M
M
Oury
J F
JF
Hassan
M
M
D005260:Female; D005315:Fetal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005333:Fetus / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D011247:Pregnancy; D011296:Prenatal Diagnosis / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*
Imagerie par résonance magnétique chez le foetus. Apport au diagnostic anténatal.