Liver, Meconium, Haemorrhage: the Value of T1-weighted Images in Fetal MRI

Overview

Journal Pediatr Radiol

Specialty Pediatrics

Date 2006 Jun 27

PMID 16799788

Citations 13

Authors

Jan Zizka

Pavel Elias

Karel Hodik

Jaroslav Tintera

Vera Juttnerova

Zdenek Belobradek

ludovit Klzo

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Background: Ultrafast T2-weighted (T2-W) MRI sequences are currently considered a routine technique for fetal MR imaging. Limited experience exists with fetal T1-weighted (T1-W) imaging techniques.

Objective: To determine MRI patterns of some fetal abdominal or haemorrhagic disorders with particular respect to the diagnostic value of T1-W images.

Materials And Methods: In addition to standard T2-W single-shot sequences, T1-W single-shot and/or multislice sequences were employed in 25 MR examinations performed in 23 fetuses between 20 and 36 weeks of gestation for more detailed assessment of liver, meconium-filled digestive tract, haemorrhage, or further characterization of a fetal abdominal mass. Diagnostic value and presence of motion artefacts on T1-W images was recorded in each case.

Results: T1-W images enabled superior delineation of fetal liver and large intestine. They provided additional diagnostic information in 9 (39%) of 23 fetuses. One false-positive and one false-negative MRI diagnosis of malrotation anomaly were encountered. Use of single-shot T1-W sequences reduced the occurrence of motion artefacts in 64%.

Conclusion: Our results suggest that the specific signal properties of methaemoglobin, meconium and liver are sufficiently important for T1-W sequences to become a routine part of fetal MRI protocols when dealing with digestive tract anomalies, diaphragmatic and abdominal wall defects, intraabdominal masses, and fetal haemorrhage.

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