{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: Feasibility of Non-Gated Dynamic Fetal Cardiac MRI for Identification of Fetal Cardiovascular Anatomy.
{Author}: Geiger J;Tuura RO;Callaghan FM;Burkhardt BEU;Kellenberger CJ;Valsangiacomo Buechel ER;
{Journal}: Fetal Diagn Ther
{Volume}: 50
{Issue}: 1
{Year}: Jan 2023 7
{Factor}: 2.208
{DOI}: 10.1159/000528966
{Abstract}: <B>BACKGROUND: </B>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.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>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.<BR><B>RESULTS: </B>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.<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>Fetal cardiac MRI with non-gated SSFP sequences enables recognition of basic cardiovascular anatomy.