Novel applications of quantitative MRI for the fetal brain

Pediatr Radiol. 2012 Jan:42 Suppl 1:S24-32. doi: 10.1007/s00247-011-2178-0. Epub 2012 Mar 6.

Abstract

The advent of ultrafast MRI acquisitions is offering vital insights into the critical maturational events that occur throughout pregnancy. Concurrent with the ongoing enhancement of ultrafast imaging has been the development of innovative image-processing techniques that are enabling us to capture and quantify the exuberant growth, and organizational and remodeling processes that occur during fetal brain development. This paper provides an overview of the role of advanced neuroimaging techniques to study in vivo brain maturation and explores the application of a range of new quantitative imaging biomarkers that can be used clinically to monitor high-risk pregnancies.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Brain / anatomy & histology
  • Brain / embryology*
  • Brain / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / methods*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
  • Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy / methods*
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / metabolism*
  • Prenatal Diagnosis / methods*

Substances

  • Nerve Tissue Proteins