Fetal magnetic resonance imaging.
OBJECTIVE
Fetal magnetic resonance imaging is becoming more used in the evaluation of complex fetal abnormalities. Rapid advances in the technology and application of fetal magnetic resonance imaging necessitate a review of this subject.


RESULTS
Diffusion-weighted imaging, magnetic resonance spectroscopy and functional magnetic resonance imaging may allow assessment of fetal brain even before anatomical abnormalities are demonstrated. We discuss the uses of fetal magnetic resonance imaging in better assessment of pulmonary hypoplasia, congenital diaphragmatic hernia and renal anomalies.


CONCLUSIONS
The additional information from fetal magnetic resonance imaging, beyond that obtained by ultrasound, is invaluable in prenatal counseling, delivery planning and planning for pre- or postnatal intervention. As intrauterine and neonatal surgery evolve, so will the utilization of fetal magnetic resonance imaging.
Sandrasegaran
Kumaresan
K
Department of Radiology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202, USA. ksandras@iupui.edu
Lall
Chandana G
CG
Aisen
Alex A
AA
D000005:Abdomen / Q000473:pathology; D002490:Central Nervous System / Q000473:pathology; D000013:Congenital Abnormalities / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005260:Female; D005315:Fetal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D020567:Fetal Weight; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D011247:Pregnancy; D011296:Prenatal Diagnosis; D013909:Thorax / Q000473:pathology