Investigation of normal organ development with fetal MRI

Eur Radiol. 2007 Oct;17(10):2458-71. doi: 10.1007/s00330-007-0604-3. Epub 2007 Mar 7.

Abstract

The understanding of the presentation of normal organ development on fetal MRI forms the basis for recognition of pathological states. During the second and third trimesters, maturational processes include changes in size, shape and signal intensities of organs. Visualization of these developmental processes requires tailored MR protocols. Further prerequisites for recognition of normal maturational states are unequivocal intrauterine orientation with respect to left and right body halves, fetal proportions, and knowledge about the MR presentation of extrafetal/intrauterine organs. Emphasis is laid on the demonstration of normal MR appearance of organs that are frequently involved in malformation syndromes. In addition, examples of time-dependent contrast enhancement of intrauterine structures are given.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Fetal Development*
  • Fetus / anatomy & histology*
  • Fetus / embryology*
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging*