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• Editorial •
Fetal MR imaging: a new clinical application
ZHU Ming 

DOI:10.3969/j.issn.1674-8034.2011.01.004.


[Abstract] Improvements in MR imaging now permit diagnostic images of the fetus to be obtained. The depth of structural information provided by MRI means it is more than just a useful adjunct to ultrasound, as several structures are more clearly visualized and many of the limitations of ultrasound are avoided. Currently, its value is best researched in fetal central nervous system disorders, MRI is most frequently utilized with reference to the fetal central nervous system and is valuable in ventriculomegaly, agenesis of the corpus callosum and posterior fossa abnormalities. Outside this, there is increasing interest in applying it to thoracic abnormalities and also scope for development in other niche areas. MRI is able to accurately determine fetal organ volumes and weight,although whether such measurements could play a role in conditions such as fetal growth restriction, has yet to be fully established. Techniques such as diffusion weighted imaging, magnetic resonance spectroscopy and functional imaging are also being remodelled for use in the fetus,improving our knowledge of in utero metabolism and development. This paper introduce the safety of fetal MRI, technology and the clinical application of the system.
[Keywords] Magnetic resonance imaging；Fetus；Central nervous system；Abnormalities

ZHU Ming Center of Imaging Diagnosis, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200127, China

*Correspondence to: Zhu M, E-mail: zhuming58@vip.sina.com

Conflicts of interest   None.

Received  2010-10-12
Accepted  2010-12-06
DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-8034.2011.01.004
DOI:10.3969/j.issn.1674-8034.2011.01.004.

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