Objective: The feasibility and significance of three-dimensional (3D) visualization of the postmortem fetus using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was investigated.
Methods: 3D reconstruction of sectional MRI data sets from 8 postmortem fetuses was performed.
Results: Fetal configurations and internal structures, both normal and pathological, were clearly demonstrated by 3D display.
Conclusion: This new technique provides high quality fetal 3D images for postmortem morphological diagnosis and interactive visual teaching. It may eventually have applications in prenatal diagnosis and the preoperative simulation of fetal surgery.