2. Prenatal diagnosis using fetal MRI

Hirokazu Yorioka, Hideharu Kanzaki
Department of Obstetrics and Gyneclogy, Kansai Medical University

Abstract
　　Ultrasound is undoubtedly the first choice for screening of fetal anomalies. However some cases will remain undiagnosed without magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Since the development of fast imaging techniques, MRI has been used to evaluate fetal anomalies. Due to its high soft-tissue contrast and its variety of view, MRI has become an important modality in their evaluation. No harmful effects of MRI on the fetus have been demonstrated, but current guidelines of the Society of Magnetic Resonance Imaging recommend that pregnant women undergo MRI only when essential. This article offers a pictorial overview of fetal anomalies that are detectable by MRI examination. Especially, MRI is a more effective modality than ultrasound for prenatal diagnosis in neural tube disease, congenital diaphragmatic hernia, congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation and urologic disease. Technological advances, improvement of images and advances in reading images based on anatomy are expected in the near future. Thus modalities such as MRI and Ultrasound will become more important. We hope this will be some help for the affected fetuses.

Keywords： MRI, Fetal, Ultrasound, Prenatal diagnosis