MR imaging in high-risk obstetric patients: a valuable complement to US

Radiographics. 1992 Jan;12(1):91-109; discussion 110. doi: 10.1148/radiographics.12.1.1734485.

Abstract

The accuracy of prenatal diagnosis has become increasingly critical in the field of high-risk obstetrics. Although ultrasound (US) provides adequate information in most cases and continues to be the initial prenatal examination of choice, there are instances in which the results of the US study may be equivocal. The role of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging was explored in 27 selected patients with various indications to determine its effectiveness as a complement to US. MR imaging was most helpful in the diagnosis of extrauterine gestation, evaluation of placental position, determination of extent or nature of masses associated with pregnancy, and differentiation between diaphragmatic hernia and a thoracic mass. Although MR imaging did not add information that affected the accuracy of the diagnosis of oligohydramnios, in all other cases it provided an extra dimension in diagnosis by showing clearer anatomic relationships in the pelvis. It has proved to be a valuable complement to an equivocal US study.

MeSH terms

  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Fetal Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Fetal Diseases / diagnostic imaging*
  • Hernia, Diaphragmatic / diagnosis
  • Hernia, Diaphragmatic / diagnostic imaging
  • Humans
  • Leiomyoma / diagnosis
  • Leiomyoma / diagnostic imaging
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
  • Oligohydramnios / diagnosis
  • Oligohydramnios / diagnostic imaging
  • Ovarian Cysts / diagnosis
  • Ovarian Cysts / diagnostic imaging
  • Placenta Diseases / diagnosis
  • Placenta Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications / diagnosis*
  • Pregnancy Complications / diagnostic imaging*
  • Pregnancy Complications, Neoplastic / diagnosis
  • Pregnancy Complications, Neoplastic / diagnostic imaging
  • Pregnancy, Ectopic / diagnosis
  • Pregnancy, Ectopic / diagnostic imaging
  • Risk Factors
  • Ultrasonography, Prenatal*
  • Uterine Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Uterine Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Uterus / diagnostic imaging
  • Uterus / pathology