Comparative Analysis of Three Rapid T1WI Imaging Techniques in Fetal Gastrointestinal Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Motivation: In the prenatal diagnosis of gastrointestinal abnormality,fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is becoming increasingly relevant. Goal(s): T1-weighted sequences enable assessment of the presence of meconium, allowing diagnosis of gastrointestinal abnormality, a method with a higher success rate and better image quality is necessary. Approach: In this work, we compared the performance of three rapid 3D T1-weighted imaging sequences for fetal gastrointestinal MRI at 1.5 T MRI scanner, including free-breathing radial and breath-hold, as well as the free-breathing multi-average 3D VIBE sequences. Results: Our results demonstrated that free-breathing multi-average VIBE sequence not only demonstrates a higher success rate but also delivers superior image quality. Impact: The T1WI images of fetal gastrointestinal were barely satisfactory , which accompanied by motion and other artifacts. It is necessary to find a scanning method that is tolerable to the mother and has good image quality.