MRI Can Give Radiologists Closer Look at Fetal Brain

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Michael J. Bernstein
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For Release: April 27, 1998

MRI Can Give Radiologists Closer Look at Fetal Brain

Using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) radiologists are now able to examine the brains of fetuses in the womb to better determine if the organ is developing normally, a Philadelphia, PA study reports. This has become possible because of the development of ultrafast MRI techniques, which are not strongly affected by movement of the fetus. MRI scans are obtained in a matter of seconds.

Ultrasound is an excellent technique and remains the primary tool to examine the fetus, according to Dr. Larissa Bilaniuk, study author and a pediatric neuroradiologist at Children's Hospital, University of Pennsylvania. However, she explained, not all regions of the fetal brain are easily shown with ultrasound and at times there is uncertainty as to whether an abnormality is present.

In such cases, MRI can provide the answer. In addition, brain abnormalities can be detected with MRI that have been missed on the ultrasonography study. Because of the excellent anatomic detail provided by MRI, she explained, normal development of the brain also can be studied and followed.

"Overall, using MRI in this manner can help physicians better counsel the patients and better manage a pregnancy, according to Dr. Bilaniuk.

Prior to the introduction of MRI for the evaluation of the unborn child, research was undertaken to ensure that the technique was safe enough. So far, numerous animal studies have not revealed any safety problems and MRI is used to study fetuses during the second and third trimester of pregnancy. Like ultrasound, no radiation is involved with MRI.

The study was presented at the 98th Annual Meeting of the American Roentgen Ray Society, held in San Francisco April 26-May 1.

The American Roentgen Ray Society, with some 12,000 members, is the first and oldest radiological society in the United States. The society is dedicated to the advancement of medicine through the science of radiology.

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