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An efficient sequence for fetal brain imaging at 3T with enhanced T 1 contrast and motion robustness
Author(s) -
Ferrazzi Giulio,
Price Anthony N.,
Teixeira Rui Pedro A.G.,
CorderoGrande Lucilio,
Hutter Jana,
Gomes Ana,
Padormo Francesco,
Hughes Emer,
Schneider Torben,
Rutherford Mary,
Kuklisova Murgasova Maria,
Hajnal Joseph V.
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
magnetic resonance in medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.696
H-Index - 225
eISSN - 1522-2594
pISSN - 0740-3194
DOI - 10.1002/mrm.27012
Subject(s) - robustness (evolution) , contrast (vision) , nuclear magnetic resonance , computer science , chemistry , artificial intelligence , physics , biochemistry , gene
Purpose Ultrafast single‐shot T 2 ‐weighted images are common practice in fetal MR exams. However, there is limited experience with fetal T 1 ‐weighted acquisitions. This study aims at establishing a robust framework that allows fetal T 1 ‐weighted scans to be routinely acquired in utero at 3T. Methods A 2D gradient echo sequence with an adiabatic inversion was optimized to be robust to fetal motion and maternal breathing optimizing grey/white matter contrast at the same time. This was combined with slice to volume registration and super resolution methods to produce volumetric reconstructions. The sequence was tested on 22 fetuses. Results Optimized grey/white matter contrast and robustness to fetal motion and maternal breathing were achieved. Signal from cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and amniotic fluid was nulled and 0.75 mm isotropic anatomical reconstructions of the fetal brain were obtained using slice‐to‐volume registration and super resolution techniques. Total acquisition time for a single stack was 56 s, all acquired during free breathing. Enhanced sensitivity to normal anatomy and pathology with respect to established methods is demonstrated. A direct comparison with a 3D spoiled gradient echo sequence and a controlled motion experiment run on an adult volunteer are also shown. Conclusion This paper describes a robust framework to perform T 1 ‐weighted acquisitions and reconstructions of the fetal brain in utero. Magn Reson Med 80:137–146, 2018. © 2017 The Authors Magnetic Resonance in Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine. This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited and is not used for commercial purposes.

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