MRI diagnosis of fetal congenital diaphragmatic hernia / 中华放射学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To explore the diagnostic value of MRI on fetal congenital diaphragmatic hernia(CDH).Methods Fourteen pregnant women with gestation from 16 to 39 weeks were studied with a 1.5 T superconductive MR unit within 24 to 48 hours after ultrasound studies.Fast-imaging employing steady-state acquisition(FIESTA),single-shot fast spin echo(SSFSE)and T_1-weighted fast inversion recovery motion insensitive(FIRM)sequences were employed on the axial,coronal and sagittal planes of the fetal brain,thorax and abdomen,especially the thorax.Prenatal US and MR imaging findings were compared with postnatal diagnoses(13 fetuses)or autopsy(1 fetus).US,MR imaging and surgery were used for postnatal evaluation.Results Fourteen pregnant women(12 with a single fetus and 2 with twin fetuses)were studied.There were 12 fetuses(in 2 cases,being one of twins)with a left-sided and 2 with right-sided diaphragmatic hernias.For all cases,the prenatal MRI diagnosis Was correct when compared with postnatal diagnosis or autopsy.Two CDHs were missed and 2 were misdiagnosed by US.Intrathoracic herniated organs in 12 left CDH included the colon(n=1),the stomach(n=1),the bewel(n=5),or both the stomach and bowel(n=5).Intrathoracic herniated organs in 2 right CDH included the bowel(n=1),or the bowel and the right lobe of the liver(n=1).Conclusion Prenatal MRI is effective in the assessment of fetal congenital diaphragmatic hernia.