[Fetal MRI: value and limitations--a review of 55 lesions].
OBJECTIVE
This study was undertaken to evaluate the usefulness and limitations of fetal MR imaging.


METHODS
Fifty-five prenatal MRI examinations were performed, and the results were confirmed by postnatal follow-up or from pathological examination and clinical findings. All examinations were performed between 18 and 40 weeks of gestation without any premedication. A 1.5-Tesla superconductive MR imaging unit was used to obtain half-Fourier acquisition single-shot turbo spin-echo (HASTE) images.


RESULTS
There were two false-positive cases on US. MRI allowed the diagnosis of serious unsuspected lesions such as hypoplastic lung and anorectal malformation. MRI was also useful for the precise diagnosis of ventriculomegaly. However, MRI missed two cases of spinal dysraphism and one case of laryngotracheoesophageal cleft.


CONCLUSIONS
Fetal MRI is a valuable complementary tool when prenatal US is inadequate or doubtful. MRI is useful for the evaluation of pulmonary hypoplasia or hydrocephalus and may modify obstetric management. MRI may be able to diagnose spinal dysraphism by detecting mild widening of the CSF space. However, MRI currently is not useful for making a differential diagnosis between laryngotracheoesophageal cleft and esophageal atresia.
Kuwashima
S
S
Department of Radiology, Dokkyo University School of Medicine.
Iimura
F
F
Kono
T
T
Fujioka
M
M
D000013:Congenital Abnormalities / Q000175:diagnosis; D005260:Female; D005315:Fetal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D011247:Pregnancy