2025 Volume 41 Issue 1 Pages 41-50
The application of cardiovascular MRI to fetal cardiovascular imaging is compelling, and clinical imaging has been implemented in Western countries for over 20 years. However, when attempting to acquire fetal cardiovascular data using conventional cardiovascular MRI methods, numerous limitations arise: the fetal heart is small with a high heart rate, conventional cardiac gating is difficult due to inability to monitor fetal electrocardiogram, and there are challenges with maternal breathing and unpredictable fetal movement. In recent years, fetal cardiovascular MRI has made significant technical advances, progressing from single-shot imaging to high-resolution dynamic imaging, enabling visualization of fetal cardiovascular anatomical structures, quantification of blood flow, and measurement of blood oxygen saturation and hematocrit values. This paper discusses the technological innovations that have made dynamic MRI imaging of the fetal cardiovascular system possible, including the development of fetal ECG acquisition techniques, accelerated imaging technology, and improvements in motion correction algorithms. It also provides an overview of how fetal congenital heart disease affects fetal hemodynamics.
