Evaluation of real-time single-shot fast spin-echo MRI for visualization of the fetal midline corpus callosum and secondary palate.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of our study was to assess the visibility of the fetal corpus callosum and soft palate on standard single-shot fast spin-echo (SSFSE) imaging versus real-time (RT) SSFSE imaging.


METHODS
Part 1 of the study was a prospective analysis using a questionnaire rating the ease of use and utility of RT imaging. Part 2 of the study was a retrospective analysis of 69 fetal MRI studies with RT sagittal midline imaging of the head, face, or both. Standard and RT SSFSE image sets were de-identified, randomized, and shown to three pediatric neuroradiologists who rated on a 5-point scale whether the images were midline and how well they could see and characterize as normal the corpus callosum and secondary palate. The imaging results were correlated with postnatal diagnosis. Statistical methods included the Wilcoxon's signed rank test, McNemar chi-square test, and analysis of variance.


RESULTS
Prospectively, the RT SSFSE technique was ranked as excellent in all the categories assessed. Retrospective analysis showed that the midline view obtained with RT SSFSE imaging was helpful in diagnosing the normal and abnormal secondary palate, allowing improved diagnosis of 19 (30.6%) of 62 cases of normal palate and four (57.1%) of seven cases of abnormal palate, when compared with the standard SSFSE technique. RT SSFSE imaging improved the ability to diagnose a normal corpus callosum on the midline view in 13 (27.6%) of 47 fetuses of 20 or more weeks gestational age.


CONCLUSIONS
The RT SSFSE technique can aid in obtaining images in planes that are critical to the evaluation of a moving fetus, particularly when a midline sagittal view of the corpus callosum or palate is required. The use of this technique may lead to improved diagnosis of CNS or orofacial abnormalities in fetuses.
Levine
Deborah
D
Department of Radiology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, 330 Brookline Ave., Boston, MA 02215, USA. dlevine@bidmc.harvard.edu
Cavazos
Cristina
C
Kazan-Tannus
Joao Fernando
JF
McKenzie
Charles A
CA
Dialani
Vandana
V
Robson
Caroline D
CD
Robertson
Richard L
RL
Poussaint
Tina Young
TY
Busse
Reed F
RF
Rofsky
Neil M
NM
D003337:Corpus Callosum / Q000473:pathology*; D019465:Craniofacial Abnormalities / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005333:Fetus; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D009068:Movement; D015588:Observer Variation; D010160:Palate, Soft / Q000473:pathology*; D011296:Prenatal Diagnosis; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012189:Retrospective Studies