MAGNETIC-RESONANCE-IMAGING OF THE FETUS

Fetal magnetic resonance imaging (FMRI) has gained considerable intere st during the last decade, especially in its intracranial applications . Due to its high soft-tissue contrast and presumed safety, FMRI shoul d be accepted as a complementary technique in prenatal diagnosis, usef ul either to elucidate equivocal findings on routine US studies or to further delineate some pathological entities. Normal patterns of fetal brain maturation, as shown by FMRI, are described because they are of paramount importance to accurately evaluate intracranial diseases. To date, however, FMRI requires specialised facilities and should be con sidered as an evolving clinical research modality and performed within precise guidelines in a multidisciplinary approach to prenatal pathol ogy.