Signal intensity changes of the fetal liver on MRI in-phase and out-of-phase sequence.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To study signal intensity (SI) of the fetal liver by MRI in-phase and out-of-phase over gestational age (GA). METHODS: A total of 91 pregnant women from 19 to 38 gestational weeks were imaged using MRI. Liver-to-spleen SI ratios of the right and left fetal liver lobes on in-phase and out-of-phase were measured, calculated, and compared with each other. Curves of liver-to-spleen SI ratio of the right and left liver lobe were plotted by GA. RESULTS: Liver-to-spleen SI ratio of the right lobe on in-phase was different from that of the left liver lobe (t = 3.95; p < 0.001). A statistically significant difference was also found for out-of-phase SI ratios (t = 3.69; p < 0.001). Curves of liver-to-spleen SI ratio of the fetal liver on in-phase and out-of-phase showed changes against GA. CONCLUSION: Liver-to-spleen SI ratio is different between the right and left liver lobe, which probably results from the different blood supply. Curves of liver-to-spleen SI ratios between 19 to 38 gestational weeks reflect the changes of decreasing function of blood production by fetal liver. In-phase and out-of-phase may have clinical use in the early detection of disordered fetal growth and metabolism.