Brain development of the human fetus in magnetic resonance imaging.
BACKGROUND
Ultrasonography is the first step in the in vivo evaluation of fetal central nervous system. However, it is not always easy--or even possible--to carry out this examination because of maternal obesity, oligo- or ahydramnios or fetal position. Magnetic resonance imaging becomes then the only method of assessment. Recognition of cerebral and cerebellar abnormalities requires detailed knowledge of normal development and morphology of the fetal brain.


OBJECTIVE
To show the sequence of fetal brain maturation on MR images on the basis of own material and equipment.


METHODS
Seventy five fetuses without cerebral abnormalities were selected for the analysis of T2-weighted images of the brain obtained with use of GE Signa 1.5T scanners. No maternal sedation was used. Single-Shot Fast Spin Echo sequence (SSFSE) was applied in T2-weighted images in axial, sagittal and coronal planes in all fetuses. Fast Spoiled Gradient Echo (FSPGR) T1-weighted images were also obtained.


RESULTS
The sequence of fetal brain maturation during the second half of pregnancy was elaborated and discussed.


CONCLUSIONS
Magnetic resonance imaging is the most useful method of the evaluation of normal fetal brain development. It should be used as an additional tool in every case of diagnostic difficulties or uncertainty.
Bekiesińska-Figatowska
Monika
M
Departament of Diagnostic Imaging, Institute of Mother and Child, Warsaw, Kraków. zaklad.rtg@imid.med.pl
Herman-Sucharska
Izabela
I
Romaniuk-Doroszewska
Anna
A
Duczkowska
Agnieszka
A
Duczkowski
Marek
M
Szkudlińska-Pawlak
Sylwia
S
Urbanik
Andrzej
A
D000328:Adult; D001921:Brain / Q000166:cytology* / Q000196:embryology*; D005260:Female; D005325:Fetal Organ Maturity; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D011247:Pregnancy