title: Magnetic resonance imaging of the fetal central nervous system, head, neck, and chest.
abstract: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has become an important tool in the assessment of fetal anomalies. Although ultrasound remains the modality of choice for screening, MRI offers several advantages that permit optimal characterization of anomalies in certain situations. Accurate recognition and characterization of fetal anomalies guides decisions about pregnancy management and coordination of postnatal care. This article will briefly review safety and practical aspects of fetal MRI. We will then provide a concise summary of the most common indications for fetal MRI, and discuss the differential diagnosis and role of MRI in assessment of fetal brain, head, neck, spine, and chest anomalies.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Baystate Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Springfield, MA 01199, USA. Stephen.o'connor@bhs.org
authors.forename: Stephen C
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: O'Connor
authors.forename: Veronica J
authors.initials: VJ
authors.lastname: Rooks
authors.forename: Alice Boyd
authors.initials: AB
authors.lastname: Smith
mesh_terms: D001927:Brain Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005260:Female; D006257:Head / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods*; D009333:Neck / Q000473:pathology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011296:Prenatal Diagnosis / Q000379:methods*; D013896:Thoracic Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*