Advances in fetal imaging: Impact on perinatal care

Dorothy Bulas, M.D., FACR, FAIUM, FSRU, presents fetal imaging advancements in the field during this Grand Rounds session. She is the chief of diagnostic imaging and radiology at Children's National and a pediatrics/radiology professor at the George Washington University.

The development of prenatal ultrasound (US) ushered in an exciting new age in fetal assessment. Advances in Doppler and 3-D US have provided additional perspectives. Fetal MR has been equally transformational in improved soft tissue definition as well as the added ability to provide bright blood imaging, diffusion, spectroscopy and functional assessment. Together, US and MRI are providing a better understanding of normal fetal development as well as abnormal pathologies. The innovative field of fetal health requires input from all pediatric specialties. Imaging provides the bridge for early diagnosis, appropriate counseling, innovative interventions, optimal delivery planning and postnatal management.