Sahar Saleem MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

1. To understand the physical and technical principles of balanced MR sequences, as steady-state-free-precession, in fetal MR imaging. 2. To discuss the feasibility of balanced MR sequences in demonstrating normal and abnormal fetal heart and vessels.

•Physical and technical principles of balanced MR sequences. •Anatomy and physiology of fetal heart and circulation: •Illustration of normal fetal cardiac structures; central and peripheral fetal vessels; and umbilical vessels using balanced-MRI sequences. •The utility of balanced-MRI sequences in diagnosing fetal cardiovascular abnormalities. •The limitation of the current technique of balanced MRI sequences in imaging the fetal heart and vessels. •Future directions.

Balanced-steady state free precession MR sequences are capable of detailed visualization of the fetal cardiac and vascular structures and have potential role in diagnosing fetal cardiovascular abnormalities.

Saleem, S, MR Imaging of Fetal Heart and Vessels Using Balanced-steady State-free Precession Sequences.  Radiological Society of North America 2007 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 25 - November 30, 2007 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2007/5002710.html