Abstract
ObjectiveWe aimed to study the role of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), including a novel MRI sequence-the modified volumetric interpolated breath-hold examination (VIBE)-in the characterization of the fetal skeleton. This novel sequence was useful for reconstructing three-dimensional images of the skeleton.Materials and MethodsWe enrolled 22 pregnant women whose fetuses had shown congenital abnormalities on ultrasound examinations. The women underwent prenatal fetal MRI in a 1.5-T scanner with a T2-weighted modified VIBE sequence. Three-dimensional reconstructions of the fetal skeleton were performed manually on the instrument itself or via an interactive pen-tablet workstation.ResultsThree-dimensional reconstructions of the fetal skeleton were performed after the acquisition of modified VIBE MRI sequences, and it was possible to characterize the fetal skeleton in all MRI examinations.ConclusionA detailed evaluation of the three-dimensional reconstructions of fetal skeleton performed after acquisition of a modified VIBE MRI sequence allowed a full characterization of the skeleton. However, improvements to the proposed sequence should be addressed in future studies.
Highlights
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is typically used as a complementary imaging tool when congenital abnormalities are detected during prenatal ultrasound
This was a retrospective, cross-sectional study based on data related to pregnant patients who were referred for fetal MRI as part of their clinical care after abnormalities were identified during routine ultrasound examinations
The 3D images of the fetal skeletons were analyzed after data had been acquired and subsequently reconstructed by an MRI technician on a workstation and the Aera platform (Siemens Healthineers) using the minimum intensity projection (MinIP), 3D maximum intensity projection (MIP), and 3D volume rendering technique (VRT) editor imaging tools (Figures 1–5)
Summary
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is typically used as a complementary imaging tool when congenital abnormalities are detected during prenatal ultrasound. Developments and modifications in the hardware and software employed in MRI have improved its diagnostic accuracy in fetal studies. Several studies have emphasized the benefit of MRI in evaluating congenital anomalies of the brain and lungs, as well as complex syndromes, in the fetus[1,2,3]. Few studies have investigated the contribution of MRI to the diagnosis of skeletal abnormalities of the fetus[4,5,6,7,8]. Prenatal diagnosis (of the fetus) is essential for proper genetic counseling, prognosis, and postnatal management. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of using a modified MRI technique that employs a T2weighted three-dimensional (3D) gradient-echo volumetric sequence for the evaluation of the fetal skeleton
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