Intrauterine growth retardation: evaluation by magnetic resonance. Work in progress.

Abstract

High risk [human] fetuses between 32 and 37 menstrual wk gestational age were examined by magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. Serial obstetrical sonograms, birth weights and serial postnatal examinations were obtained in all subjects. Sagittal MR spin echo images obtained using TR = 0.5 s and TE = 28 ms were useful for assessing subcutaneous fat. Prospective estimates of fetal fat stores correlated with neonatal outcome better than sonographic measurements of fetal growth parameters of actual birth weight. MR appears to be a safe and useful technique that offers information complementary to obstetrical sonography when IUGR [intrauterine growth retardation] is suspected.