MRI of normal and pathological fetal lung development.
Normal fetal lung development is a complex process influenced by mechanical and many biochemical factors. In addition to ultrasound, fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) constitutes a new method to investigate this process in vivo during the second and third trimester. The techniques of MRI volumetry, assessment of signal intensities, and MRI spectroscopy of the fetal lung have been used to analyze this process and have already been applied clinically to identify abnormal fetal lung growth. Particularly in conditions such as oligohydramnios and congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), pulmonary hypoplasia may be the cause of neonatal death. A precise diagnosis and quantification of compromised fetal lung development may improve post- and perinatal management. The main events in fetal lung development are reviewed and MR volumetric data from 106 normal fetuses, as well as different examples of pathological lung growth, are provided.
Kasprian
Gregor
G
University Clinic of Radiodiagnostics, Medical University of Vienna, Allgemeines Krankenhaus, AKH, Wien, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria. gregor.kasprian@meduniwien.ac.at
Balassy
Csilla
C
Brugger
Peter C
PC
Prayer
Daniela
D
D005260:Female; D047109:Fetal Development / Q000502:physiology; D005315:Fetal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis; D005325:Fetal Organ Maturity / Q000502:physiology; D005333:Fetus / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000196:embryology*; D006801:Humans; D008168:Lung / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000196:embryology*; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000196:embryology; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011296:Prenatal Diagnosis