MRI of the fetal brain and spinal cord: Techniques and protocols

Article type: Review Article

Authors: Schneider, Jacques F.^;

Affiliations: Department of Pediatric Radiology, University Children's Hospital, Basel, Switzerland

Note: [] Address of correspondence: Jacques F. Schneider, Head Pediatric Radiology, University Children's Hospital, UKBB, CH-4005 Basel, Switzerland. Tel.: +41 61 704 2632; Fax: +41 61 704 1225; E-mail: [email protected].

Abstract: Magnetic resonance imaging of the fetus is nowadays routinely used as a complimentary imaging method to ultrasound for the detection of morphological changes of the brain and spine. The advent of fast sequences, which allow high signal-to-noise, high-resolution datasets has facilitated standardized and reliable protocols, enabling fetal Magnetic resonance imaging to be acknowledged as a valuable adjunct in many antenatal clinics. This review covers technical requisites, sequence details, and provides a practical approach for routine diagnosis of fetal brain and spine.

Keywords: Fetal, MRI, brain, spine

DOI: 10.3233/PNR-2012-024

Journal: Journal of Pediatric Neuroradiology, vol. 1, no. 3, pp. 147-153, 2012