Fetal magnetic resonance imaging: a valuable diagnostic tool

The first published report of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in pregnancy was in 1983. Initial experience mainly centred on maternal and placental diseases. As MR technology evolved, assessment of the fetus beyond simple volumetric measurements became practical, with the early focus on fetal neuroimaging. Over the course of the last 25 years, fetal MRI has become an important adjunct in antenatal imaging in a wide variety of circumstances.