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Feasibility of Non-Gated Dynamic Fetal Cardiac MRI for Identification of Fetal Cardiovascular Anatomy

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of identifying the fetal cardiac and thoracic vascular structures with non-gated dynamic balanced steady-state free precession (SSFP) MRI sequences. METHODS: We retrospectively assessed the visibility of cardiovascular anatomy in 60...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores principales: Geiger, Julia, Tuura, Ruth O'Gorman, Callaghan, Fraser M., Burkhardt, Barbara E.U., Kellenberger, Christian J., Valsangiacomo Buechel, Emanuela R.
Formato: Online Artículo Texto
Lenguaje:English
Publicado: S. Karger AG 2023
Materias:
Acceso en línea:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10129032/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/36617416
http://dx.doi.org/10.1159/000528966
Descripción
Sumario:INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of identifying the fetal cardiac and thoracic vascular structures with non-gated dynamic balanced steady-state free precession (SSFP) MRI sequences. METHODS: We retrospectively assessed the visibility of cardiovascular anatomy in 60 fetuses without suspicion of congenital heart defect. Non-gated dynamic balanced SSFP sequences were acquired in three anatomic planes of the fetal thorax. The images were analyzed following a segmental approach in consensus reading by an experienced pediatric cardiologist and radiologist. An imaging score was defined by giving one point to each visualized structure, yielding a maximum score of 21 points. Image quality was rated from 0 (poor) to 2 (excellent). The influence of gestational age (GA), field strength, placenta position, and maternal panniculus on image quality and imaging score were tested. RESULTS: 30 scans were performed at 1.5T, 30 at 3T. Heart position, atria, and ventricles could be seen in all 60 fetuses. Basic diagnosis (>12 points) was achieved in 54 cases. The mean imaging score was 16.8+/−3.8. Maternal panniculus (r = −0.3; p = 0.015) and GA (r = 0.6; p < 0.001) correlated with imaging score. Field strength influenced image quality, with 1.5T being better than 3T images (p = 0.012). Imaging score or quality was independent of placenta position. CONCLUSION: Fetal cardiac MRI with non-gated SSFP sequences enables recognition of basic cardiovascular anatomy.