Fetal brain MRI: neurometrics, typical diagnoses, and resolving common dilemmas

Br J Radiol. 2023 Jul;96(1147):20211019. doi: 10.1259/bjr.20211019. Epub 2023 Jan 12.

Abstract

This review presents a practical approach to imaging the fetal brain by MRI. Herein, we demonstrate how to measure brain structures and fluid spaces, and discuss the importance of comparing measurements to normative biometric references at a corresponding gestational age. We present some common imaging dilemmas of the technical aspects of fetal MRI with regard to typical regions of abnormality including the cerebrum, the ventricular system, and the posterior fossa, and discuss how to resolve them.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Brain* / diagnostic imaging
  • Female
  • Fetus* / diagnostic imaging
  • Gestational Age
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods
  • Neuroimaging
  • Pregnancy
  • Ultrasonography, Prenatal / methods