The value of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI) in the evaluation of fetal kidney development

Motivation: Fetal magnetic resonance technology provides morphological data of the fetal kidneys, as well as preliminary exploration of kidney function through DW-MRI. Goal(s): This project aims to investigate the correlation between gestational age and multi-quantitative MR parameter values of the fetal kidney. Approach: The kidney size, thickness, T2 signal and ADC quantitative parameters of normal fetuses from 24 to 40 weeks of gestation were collected, analyzing the correlation between each parameter value and gestational age. Results: In conclusion,there was a positive correlation between fetal kidney size, parenchymal thickness and gestational age, and a negative correlation between renal ADC, T2 signal values and gestational age. Impact: This project achieved a preliminary assessment of fetal kidney development and provide essential quantitative data references for different developmental stages of the fetal kidney.