Two-dimensional fast imaging employing steady-state acquisition (FIESTA) cine acquisition of fetal non-central nervous system abnormalities.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the value of two-dimensional fast imaging employing steady-state acquisition (2D FIESTA) cine MR with parallel imaging techniques in the diagnosis of fetal non-central nervous system (CNS) anomalies.


METHODS
A total of 28 pregnant women were referred for further MR evaluation on fetuses after abnormal sonographic results. A total of 33 fetal MR examinations were performed by a 1.5 T MR scanner with eight-channel phase-arrayed body coils. Single-shot fast spin-echo (SSFSE(R), GE) of three orthogonal planes and 2D FIESTA for cine fetal MR of three sagittal planes (midsagittal and 10 mm off midline on left and right) were routinely acquired. Additional planes on target organs with variable imaging frames were added if indicated.


RESULTS
Nine of the 33 examinations (9/33; 27.3%) had motion artifacts obscuring the detail in SSFSE imaging; 2D FIESTA imaging provided motion-artifact-free imaging in all of them. Cine 2D FIESTA imaging provided additional information on the visceral peristalsis. The information helped in differentiating dilated gastrointestinal (GI) tract from other intraabdominal cystic lesions and in confirming the nature and level of GI tract obstruction.


CONCLUSIONS
With sub-half-second temporal resolution of the 2D FIESTA sequences, fetal movement is no longer problematic. In addition to the anatomical information also provided by conventional SSFSE sequences, 2D FIESTA demonstrates information on motility and peristalsis of hollow organs and helps the diagnosis of fetal visceral anomalies.
Shen
Shu-Huei
SH
Department of Radiology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital and National Yang-Ming University, Taiwan, R.O.C.
Guo
Wan-Yuo
WY
Hung
Jeng-Hsiu
JH
D016477:Artifacts; D017352:Echo-Planar Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005315:Fetal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005767:Gastrointestinal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods; D019028:Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Cine / Q000379:methods*; D009421:Nervous System Malformations / Q000175:diagnosis*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011296:Prenatal Diagnosis; D013997:Time Factors; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal