Effective R2* Mapping based on Multi-Echo DIXON sequence: A Promising Tool for Supporting Prenatal Diagnosis

Motivation: There is an urgent need for rapid and effective functional and quantitative imaging techniques for fetal magnetic resonance imaging. Goal(s): To investigate the benefits and practical applications of effective R2* mapping derived from the multi-echo DIXON sequence for aiding prenatal diagnosis. Approach: A total of 285 pregnant women suspected of fetal malformation were enrolled. The advantages of the effective R2* mapping for diagnosing fetal development abnormality were analyzed against conventional MR images. Results: The effective R2* map of Q-Dixon sequence can effectively assist the diagnosis of fetal intracranial hemorrhage , abnormal ossification center development and detect placental mal-perfusion for fetuses with growth restriction. Impact: Quantitative R2* mapping derived from the multi-echo DIXON sequence effectively aiding prenatal diagnosis.