Mozah Ahmed Ali Al-Hantoubi MBBS, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Radha S Chari MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Ravi Bhargava MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

To determine if 3D maximum intensity projection (MIP) T1 FLASH MRI can depict the fetal colon and to assess the gestational age at which colon segments become visible. To determine if colon diameter changes with fetal age.

Retrospective analysis of 67 patients (33 females and 34 males) who underwent in utero fetal MRI T1 FLASH imaging which allowed visualization of colon meconium as a hyperintense structure. MIP was used to show the colon by producing 36 images, 10 degrees apart. Viewing this rotational data produced a 3 dimensional depiction of the colon. These images were examined and diameters of the rectum, sigmoid colon, descending colon, transverse colon, hepatic flexure, ascending colon and cecum were obtained. Follow-up of normal bowel function was assessed at birth and one-year.

There were no abnormal bowel findings in the 67 delivered foetuses. The rectum was the first colon segment seen at 20 weeks, with the left side of the colon visible at 22 weeks and the entire fetal colon visible by 23 weeks. Increasing segmental diameters of the fetal colon was correlated with fetal age (p<0.05). There were no significant differences between genders in gestational age, outcome of pregnancy, delivery type, colon visualization, and colon diameter.

3D MIP colonography depicts a normal colon at 23 weeks gestation. The colon diameter increases with increasing gestational age. This technique may be useful in assessing fetal bowel in the latter half of pregnancy.

Al-Hantoubi, M, Chari, R, Bhargava, R, 3D Maximal Intensity FLASH MRI Colonograghy of Fetal Colon: Visualizing Bowel in Utero.  Radiological Society of North America 2004 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 28 - December 3, 2004 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2004/4414960.html