Fetal cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging

Advanced imaging of fetal cardiac function

“…Contraindications such as claustrophobia can limit the application of fetal CMR, which may also be poorly tolerated due to the requirement for immobilization. This issue is particularly relevant in the late gestation ( 40 , 41 ). However, fetal CMR is gaining in popularity as an adjunct to fetal echocardiography and has been recommended by the American Heart Association in the setting of complex viscero-sital cardiac abnormalities and for its evolving role in assessing fetal cardiovascular physiology ( 1 , 34 , 37 , 41 – 43 ).…”

“…This issue is particularly relevant in the late gestation ( 40 , 41 ). However, fetal CMR is gaining in popularity as an adjunct to fetal echocardiography and has been recommended by the American Heart Association in the setting of complex viscero-sital cardiac abnormalities and for its evolving role in assessing fetal cardiovascular physiology ( 1 , 34 , 37 , 41 – 43 ). Some traditional strengths of CMR in postnatal heart disease include the delineation of vascular anatomy by angiography, as well as accurate ventricular volumetry for assessing cardiac chamber sizes and function, and quantifying vessel flow and valvar regurgitation and myocardial tissue characterization.…”

Developmental Physiology: Grand Challenges

“…Several recent technological developments have been aiding the assessment of physiological processes in progressively smaller (and thus earlier) developmental stages. Advances in imaging continues to improve our understanding of especial cardiac physiology of embryos, fetuses and larvae (Aguet et al, 2020 ; Salman and Yalcin, 2020 ; Lopez and Larina, 2021 ). The advent of microfluidics is contributing to our knowledge of embryonic physiology, especially as it pertains to in vitro embryo production (Wheeler and Rubessa, 2017 ; Sonnen and Merten, 2019 ).…”