Fetal magnetic resonance imaging of thoracic and abdominal malformations

Objective: Diagnosis and differential diagnosis of fetal thoracic and abdominal malformations.

Methods: Ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Methods: In cases of suspected pathologies based on fetal ultrasound MRI can be used for more detailed examinations and can be of assistance in the differential diagnostic process. Methods: Improved imaging of anatomical structures and of the composition of different tissues by the use of different MRI sequences.

Results: Fetal MRI has become a part of clinical routine in thoracic and abdominal malformations and is the basis for scientific research in this field.

Conclusions: In cases of thoracic or abdominal malformations fetal MRI provides important information additional to ultrasound to improve diagnostic accuracy, prognostic evaluation and surgical planning.