Fetal cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging

Pediatr Radiol. 2020 Dec;50(13):1881-1894. doi: 10.1007/s00247-020-04902-y. Epub 2020 Nov 30.

Abstract

Fetal cardiovascular MRI is showing promise as a clinical diagnostic tool in the setting of congenital heart disease when the cardiac anatomy is unresolved by US or when complementary quantitative data on blood flow, oxygen saturation and hematocrit are required to aid in management. Compared with postnatal cardiovascular MRI, prenatal cardiovascular MRI still has some technical limitations. However, ongoing technical advances continue to improve the robustness and usability of fetal cardiovascular MRI. In this review, we provide an overview of the state of the art of fetal cardiovascular MRI and summarize the current focus of clinical application for this versatile technique.

Keywords: Cardiovascular; Congenital heart disease; Fetus; Heart; Magnetic resonance imaging; Ultrasound.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Fetal Heart / diagnostic imaging
  • Fetus / diagnostic imaging
  • Heart Defects, Congenital* / diagnostic imaging
  • Hemodynamics
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
  • Pregnancy
  • Prenatal Diagnosis
  • Ultrasonography, Prenatal