MAGNETIC-RESONANCE-IMAGING OF THE 3RD TRIMESTER FETAL LUNG

Objectives: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been proposed as a me thod of noninvasively assessing fetal lung maturity. We sought to spec ifically study the feasibility of third trimester fetal lung imaging w ith this technique. Methods: An institutionally approved, prospective evaluation of nine uncomplicated, third-trimester pregnancies was perf ormed. A single magnetic resonance study at 1.5 Tesla was done accordi ng to a standard protocol on normal, well-dated fetuses of three healt hy volunteers in each of three gestational age ranges: 28 0/7-32 6/7 w eeks, 33 0/7-36 6/7 weeks, and 37 0/7-40 6/7 weeks. Results: The fetal lungs were visualized in all nine cases. Motion artifact was minimal in four cases, moderate in four cases, and marked in one case, but did not preclude distinguishing the fetal thoracic contents. Conclusions: MRI of the third trimester fetal lung may be consistently performed w ithout sedation or significant image degradation.