The cardiac system is the part of the fetal anatomy that most frequently suffers from congenital pathology . The fetal heart is routinely studied using first level obstetric ultrasonography. If a fetus is considered to have a cardiac defect, a detailed echocardiographic examination is required. The role of fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as a tool additional to ultrasound has grown exponentially. Unlike ultrasound imaging, however, MRI is unaffected by maternal and fetal conditions such as obesity and oligohydramnios, which particularly impair sonographic visualization of the fetal heart. In this educational poster, we will provide an overview of fetal cardiac MR imaging methods and their applications in congenital heart disease. This presentation will cover recent technical advances in fetal CMR, the modified anatomic segmental approach to image fetal congenital heart disease, imaging appearances of fetal normal cardiovascular structure and appearances of various structural congenital heart disease on fetal CMR. Multiple imaging examples of fetal congenital heart disease diagnosed by fetal cardiac MR will be presented. Read More

Meeting name: SPR 2024 Annual Meeting & Postgraduate Course , 2024

Authors: Dong Su-zhen

Keywords: Fetus, Magnetic resonance imaging, Congenital heart disease

1. Review the safety, limitations and advantages of fetal cardiac MR (CMR) 2. Discuss potentialindications of fetal CMR 3. Describe the technique of fetal CMR, including imaging sequences, imaging planes, the method of overcoming motion artifact 4. Illustrate the appearance of normal fetal cardiac structures and present a modified anatomic segmental approach of congenital heart disease (CHD) at prenatal CMR 5. Demonstrate examples of fetal CMR in the evaluation of various cardiovascular anomalies Read More

Meeting name: SPR 2018 Annual Meeting & Postgraduate Course , 2018

Authors: Dong Su-zhen

Keywords: Fetus, cardiac magnetic resonance, congenital heart disease

The placenta-heart-brain axis plays a central role in fetal growth and neurodevelopment and is increasingly recognized as critical in the congenital heart disease (CHD). Increasing evidence suggests that placental maldevelopment and fetoplacental circulatory abnormalities are associated with impaired cardiac morphogenesis and cerebral injury, which may contribute to neurodevelopmental deficits observed in CHD. Prenatal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides a comprehensive, noninvasive means to evaluate this axis in vivo. Quantitative placental MRI techniques, including T2* mapping, arterial spin labeling, and diffusion imaging, reveal altered oxygenation, perfusion, and microstructure in CHD pregnancies. Fetal cardiac MRI enables high-resolution assessment of complex cardiac anatomy, ventricular function, and blood flow using motion-robust acquisitions and innovative gating methods. Cerebral MRI further demonstrates structural, metabolic, and connectivity alterations consistent with impaired substrate and oxygen delivery. Together, these findings highlight prenatal MRI as a powerful tool for understanding how placental and cardiovascular physiology influence brain development in CHD. Integrating placental, cardiac, and cerebral imaging biomarkers could enhance prenatal risk stratification, guide perinatal management, and inform early neuroprotective strategies. Continued technical refinement and longitudinal validation will be essential to achieve clinical translation and improve long-term outcomes. Read More

Meeting name: IPR 2026 Congress , 2026

Authors: Dong Su-zhen, Zhuo Meng-yuan

Keywords: Fetal Magnetic Resonance Imaging

The Society of Pediatric Radiology (SPR) has recognized the urgent need for improved education in neonatal imaging, especially given rapid advancements and innovation in imaging technology and techniques. This initiative is aimed at pinpointing specific areas within neonatal imaging that require enhanced outreach and training for physicians, ultimately to improve care for neonates. Read More

Meeting name: SPR 2025 Annual Meeting , 2025

Authors: Gwal Kriti, A Ebinesh, Ames Jeff, Dong Su-zhen, Lorenz Kevin, Hwang Misun, Barton Katherine, Birkemeier Krista, Shah Chetan, Verhage Thomas, Narayanan Srikala, Li Yi, Janitz Emily, Brown Brandon

Keywords: Education, Neonatal, Preterm Neonate