T2* relaxometry of Fetal Brain Tissues using Low Field MRI

Motivation: The complex and rapid changes during human brain development call for a matched analysis of both structure and function. T2* relaxometry delivers non-invasive insights and pairs well with low field MRI. However, regional assessment is currently lacking. Goal(s): Investigate the ability of low field MRI to quantify regional fetal brain T2*. Approach: We acquired dynamic multi-echo gradient-echo sequences at 0.55T and developed automatic high-resolution reconstruction and segmentation to obtain the mean T2* values of 7 individual brain tissues. Results: Fetal brain tissues vary both in absolute T2* value and in progression have differing T2* values and growth curves throughout gestation. Impact: Regional fetal brain T2* values, obtained with an automatic pipeline, match the complexity, speed of change and growth during early human brain development and thus carry the potential to play a significant role in future research studies and clinical monitoring.