Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a powerful tool in the field of fetal medicine. It uses a large magnet, radio frequency pulses, and a computer to create detailed images of the fetus in the womb. While ultrasound is typically used as the primary method for detecting fetal abnormalities, MRI is particularly useful for accurately diagnosing central nervous system defects.
Dr. La Hong Chau, Head of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Imaging Unit at Tam Anh General Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City, explains that MRI uses magnetic fields instead of radiation to detect abnormalities in various parts of the fetus’s body. While ultrasound is typically used as the primary method for detecting fetal abnormalities, MRI is particularly useful for accurately diagnosing central nervous system defects. It is usually performed in the second or third trimester of pregnancy following abnormal ultrasound results.
One of the key advantages of MRI over ultrasound is its ability to detect structures in hard-to-reach areas like the retrobulbar, skull base, and cochlea. It is especially valuable in cases where ultrasound diagnosis is challenging, such as maternal obesity or low amniotic fluid. The accuracy of MRI in diagnosing central nervous system malformations has been shown to be significantly higher than that of ultrasound.
Several cases illustrate the importance of MRI in diagnosing and managing fetal abnormalities. In some instances, MRI scans have helped doctors decide on intervention methods during or after birth, ultimately leading to positive outcomes for both mother and baby. For example, one case involved a baby with a brain tumor that was diagnosed through an MRI scan at 20 weeks gestation. The mother was able to make an informed decision about her pregnancy and opted for termination due to concerns about her baby’s quality of life after birth.
Overall, MRI plays a crucial role in fetal medicine by providing detailed information for doctors to make informed decisions about the management of fetal abnormalities. As the rate of birth defects remains high, early detection and intervention are essential in improving outcomes for pregnant women and their babies. By utilizing advanced diagnostic techniques like MRI, doctors can enhance their ability to provide optimal care for pregnant women and their unborn babies.
In conclusion, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a powerful tool that helps detect defects and abnormalities in the fetus’s nervous system and chest using a large magnet, radio frequency pulses
