Fetal weight estimation by echo-planar magnetic resonance imaging

Abstract

Fetal weight was estimated in utero in eleven singleton pregnancies by measurement of fetal volume with echo-planar imaging (EPI), a form of magnetic resonance imaging, and by ultrasound measurements. EPI estimates of fetal volume were closely correlated with actual birthweight (R=0·97). The median difference (expressed as a percentage of actual birthweight) between actual and EPI-estimated birthweights was 3·0% (range 0·6-9·9); this discrepancy was significantly smaller than that found for ultrasonographic estimates (6·5% [1·7-17·8]; p <0·01).