ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the diagnostic value of MR fast scanning techniques in fetal congenital diaphragmatic hernia. Methods 12 cases diagnosed or suspected fetal congenital diaphragmatic hernia by ultrasound with gestational age (>20 weeks) were underwent MR examination.The fast scan sequences were as follows:Half-Fourier acquisition single-shot fast spinecho se-quence(HASTE)、True fast imaging steady-state precession sequence (True FISP)、Turbo FLASH T1 WI sequence.The axial,co-ronal and sagittal scanning were focused on fetal head and body.The results of prenatal MR examination was compared with neonatal surgical findings or autopsy results after inducing labor.Results All of 12 cases,9 cases were left diaphragmatic hernia,2 cases were right diaphragmatic hernia and 1 case was hiatal hernia.2 cases of them were complicated with other congenital malformations. The features of MRI were as follows:Some portions of bowels and stomach crossed into the thorax were visible in the HASTE and TRUE FISP sequence.The herniated stomach and bowels showed high or scattered high signals.The intestinal types were visible as well.The lung tissue intruded at the apex of the lung and the heart deviated to the opposite side were demonstrated.T1 weighted im-ages obtained from ultra-fast FLASH (Turbo FLASH)T1WI sequence showed characteristic high signals in the meconium,which delineated clearly the shape of the colon and small intestine.The prenatal MRI results of all cases were consistent with surgical (10 cases)and autopsy (2 cases)findings.Conclusion MR fast scanning techniques can clearly show fetal congenital diaphragmatic her-nia.Multiple sequences scanning can comprehensively map the organizational structure and anatomical relationship of fetal congenital diaphragmatic hernia with the surrounding tissues.MR fast scanning techniques play an important role in the diagnosis of fetal con-genital diaphragmatic hernia.
