Intrauterine Imaging

Abstract

Fetal neuroimaging is part of clinical neuroradiology and pediatric radiology. Ultrasound (US) is the main tool for routine assessment of the fetus. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an additional imaging tool to confirm or correct ultrasound findings. The CNS represents one of the most frequently involved structures among all fetal anomalies. Indications for fetal MRI have increased because of improvements in MR techniques that permit the depiction of subtle changes within the fetal brain. Computed tomography (CT) is not used routinely. However, multidetector CT with helical acquisition, thin slices, and volume-rendering reconstructions is helpful in assessing spine and cranial vault abnormalities. This chapter focuses mostly on MRI of the fetal brain and more specifically on how, when, and why fetal MRI should be employed in the clinical practice.