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Fetal MRI has a potential role in the evaluation of congenital heart disease, according to findings from a small study [1].

A group of Italian radiologists looked at MRI findings in 32 fetuses, comparing them with subsequent postnatal or autopsy findings.

They noted that while echocardiography may be viewed as the "gold standard for prenatal diagnosis of CHD," the study is operator-dependent and time-consuming.

They postulated that MRI could be a useful adjunct to ultrasound, which is usually used to identify high-risk pregnancies requiring echocardiography.

The researchers reported a diverse range of cardiac pathologies from MRI evaluation, most notably cardiomyopathy, malrotation, hypoplastic left heart syndrome and tetralogy of Fallot.

In six fetuses, MRI detected an adjunctive anomaly that had been missed on ultrasound, and further "refined" ultrasound findings in three fetuses.

The group noted, however, that "current limitations in MRI spatial resolution and signal-to noise ratio" did not allow direct assessment of the size of the great vessels.

The authors concluded: "MRI is a useful adjunct in the assessment of extracardiac fetal anomalies. Despite current limitations, fetal MRI seems to be a promising diagnostic method also for further assessment of the fetal heart as well."

[1] Assessment of congenital heart disease (CHD): Is there a role for fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)?
Eur J Radiol 2008; Article in Press