Prenatal diagnosis of fetal respiratory function: evaluation of fetal lung maturity using lung‐to‐liver signal intensity ratio at magnetic resonance imaging. (21st August 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Oka, Yasuko; Rahman, Mosfequr; Sasakura, Chihaya; Waseda, Tomoo; Watanabe, Yukio; Fujii, Ryota; Makinoda, Satoru
• Is Part Of: Prenatal diagnosis. Volume 34:Number 13(2014:Dec.)
• Page Start: 1289
• Page End: 1294
• Publication Date: 2014-08-21
• Subjects: Prenatal diagnosis -- Periodicals; Fetus -- Diseases -- Diagnosis -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 618.32075
• DOI: 10.1002/pd.4469
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0197-3851

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title>ABSTRACT</title> <sec id="pd4469-sec-0001" sec-type="section"> <title>Objective</title> <p>The purpose of this retrospective study is to determine the fetal lung‐to‐liver signal intensity ratio (LLSIR) on T2‐weighted images for the prediction of neonatal respiratory outcome.</p> </sec> <sec id="pd4469-sec-0002" sec-type="section"> <title>Methods</title> <p>One hundred ten fetuses who underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination for various indications after 22 weeks of gestation participated in this study. LLSIR was measured as the ratio of signal intensities of the fetal lung and liver on T2‐weighted images at MRI. We examined the changes of the ratio with advancing gestation and the relations between LLSIR and the presence of the severe respiratory disorder (SRD) after birth. The best cut‐off value of the LLSIR to predict respiratory outcome after birth was calculated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.</p> </sec> <sec id="pd4469-sec-0003" sec-type="section"> <title>Results</title> <p>Lung‐to‐liver signal intensity ratio correlated significantly with advancing gestational age (<italic>R</italic> = 0.35, <italic>p</italic> < 0.001). The non‐SRD group had higher LLSIR compared with the SRD group (2.15 ± 0.30 vs. 1.53 ± 0.40, <italic>p</italic> < 0.001). ROC curve analysis showed that fetuses with an LLSIR < 2.00 were more likely to develop SRD [sensitivity: 100%, 95% confidence interval (CI): 52–100%; specificity: 73%, 95% CI 54–88%].</p> </sec> <sec id="pd4469-sec-0004" sec-type="section"> <title>Conclusion</title> <p>The fetal LLSIR on T2‐weighted images is an accurate marker to diagnose the fetal lung maturity. © 2014 The Authors. <italic>Prenatal Diagnosis</italic> published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.</p> </sec> </abstract>