Purpose
To investigate signal characteristics of the fetal liver signal (LISI) on in- (IPS) and out of phase sequences (OPS) and to evaluate their feasibility in the detection of liver abnormalities.
Methods and Materials
89 fetuses (19-38 gestational weeks (GW),
mean: 27 GW),
were examined using a Philips Intera 1.5T MR scanner.
In 6 of the included fetuses liver pathology was suspected.
Liver signal intensities (LISIs) were assessed on axial plane T1-weighted IPS and OPS for each the right (RL) and left (LL) liver lobe.
LISIs were correlated with gestational age and differences between LISIs in IPS and OPS were assessed for each lobe.
Patients were not sedated and no contrast agent was applied.
Results
A significant decrease of LISIs with higher gestational age was found for IPS (p= .046).
OPS showed significantly higher LISIs than in IPS for both liver lobes during gestation (p= .001).
Differences of LISIs between IPS and OPS were slightly higher but not statistical significant for the LL (RL mean: 2.2%; LL: 2.8%).
Predictability of LISIs was very high for IPS and OPS for both liver lobes (r= .927).
In fetuses with suspected liver pathology no significant differences in LISIs could be identified.
Conclusion
Chemical shift imaging of the fetal liver is clinically feasible and can be performed without sedation.
Although no significant LISI changes were detected quantitatively in fetuses with suspected liver pathology,
qualitative assessment of IPS and OPS may add useful information in the characterization of hereditary metabolic disorders.
References
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Magnetic resonance imaging of the fetal gallbladder...
Personal Information
Dominik P.
Berzaczy,
M.D.
Department of Radiology
Medical University of Vienna
Währinger Gürtel 18-20
1090 Vienna,
Austria
E-Mail:
[email protected]