Evaluation of high-resolution fetal brain anatomical imaging with a reduced field of view using outer volume suppression

Motivation: Conventional anatomical imaging of the fetal brain is limited by low resolution due to an inherently large field-of-view and a restricted matrix size. Goal(s): To achieve high-resolution fetal brain imaging and evaluate the image quality compared to conventional fetal brain imaging. Approach: Fetal brain anatomical imaging was performed using optimized outer volume suppression for higher resolution. Image quality was scored by neuroradiologists, and image sharpness was calculated using gradient norms. Results: High-resolution anatomical images acquired using our approach demonstrated improved image quality both quantitatively and qualitatively, without an increased scan time. Impact: High-resolution fetal brain anatomical imaging with a reduced field-of-view achieved by optimized outer volume suppression demonstrates improved image quality compared to conventional imaging methods. This approach may help increase diagnostic accuracy in identifying brain abnormalities in utero.