E2667. Oh Baby! An Introduction to Fetal MRI for the Evaluation of Congenital Chest, Abdominal, and Pelvic Anomalies
Authors
Claire Meriwether;
University of California - San Diego
Amy Maduram;
University of California - San Diego
Jerry Dwek;
Rady Children's Hospital
Rebecca Rakow-Penner;
University of California - San Diego
Background
While ultrasound is the first-line imaging modality for fetal assessment, fetal MRI has proven to be extremely valuable for further evaluation of cases in which sonographic findings are equivocal or in which increased tissue contrast may help to confirm or refine a diagnosis. While fetal MRI can be limited by fetal motion, it has numerous unique strengths including a larger field of view compared with ultrasound, less dependence on the maternal body habitus, and less limitation based on fetal presentation at the time of imaging. In turn, the additional information provided by fetal MRI can have significant impacts when it comes to determining prognosis, counseling patients, and guiding management decisions. For evaluation of fetal pathology, non-contrast MRI is typically performed in the second or third trimester, when the fetus is large enough and the volume of amniotic fluid is more favorable.
Educational Goals / Teaching Points
The purpose of this educational exhibit is to provide an overview of the role of fetal MRI in evaluating congenital anomalies of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis in utero through a series of instructive cases.
Key Anatomic/Physiologic Issues and Imaging Findings/Techniques
Featured cases will include pathology such as congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), congenital pulmonary airways malformation (CPAM), bronchial atresia, sacrococcygeal teratoma, and polycystic kidney disease.
Conclusion
As fetal MRI becomes more integrated in clinical practice for the assessment of congenital anomalies, it is essential for the practicing radiologist to have a level of familiarity with the relevant pathology and its typical appearance on MRI. This is especially true when it comes to fetal anomalies involving the chest, abdomen, and pelvis, which relies on the expertise of multiple radiologic subspecialties including pediatric, chest, cardiac, and body imagers.
