Advanced Fetal Imaging - Phase II

The main aim of this project is to evaluate and optimize the existing clinical magnetic
resonance (MR) techniques for fetal imaging, and to also implement and test new MR
technologies that would improve fetal imaging in general. This involves the development of
new pulse sequences and image acquisition schemes that "freeze" fetal motion and hence
provide improved image quality and robustness for both structural (T1- and T2- weighted,
susceptibility and FLAIR imaging) and physiological imaging (diffusion, perfusion,
spectroscopy, resting-state functional MRI, etc). The scope of this project also includes
testing of newly developed radio frequency (RF) receive-only coil arrays that would
inherently provide the means for faster imaging of the fetus, and thus complement the
software developments.

Inclusion Criteria:

- 60 Minute Full Research MRI Scan:

- Gestational age between 18 and 40 weeks

- AND

- Pregnant women with a healthy pregnancy

- OR

- Pregnant women with a concern for fetal/placental abnormalities referred for a
clinical fetal MRI by their obstetrician

- OR

- Pregnant women with a concern for fetal/placental abnormalities NOT referred for
a clinical fetal MRI by their obstetrician

- 15 Minute Add-On Research Scan:

- Gestational age between 18 and 40 weeks

- AND

- Pregnant women with a concern for fetal abnormalities referred for a clinical
fetal MRI by their obstetrician

- AND

- The clinical fetal MRI will occur at Boston Children's Hospital

Exclusion Criteria:

- Pregnant women with a contraindication to MRI (implanted metal, non-removable
piercings, pacemaker, etc)

- Pregnant women who are claustrophobic

- Pregnant women who are medically unstable for an MRI