ABSTRACT
The use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the prenatal diagnosis of fetal malformations was first reported by Smith in 1983 [1], although it was only in the 1990s that new technological advances including the development of fast sequences allowed this method to become incorporated into clinical practice. During the last decade, the use of this technique has increased exponentially due to the improved resolution and greater accessibility to the pregnant population. MRI has been recommended as an adjunct method to evaluate the fetal anatomy, particularly when suspected or established fetal anomalies have been detected by prenatal ultrasound [2]. Currently, fetal MRI requires highly expensive equipment and is carried out in a dedicated radiology facility only for specific medical indications, primarily the evaluation of an ultrasounddetected abnormality.
