Fetal Assessment Using MRI: Beyond Volumetric Evaluation
Pregnancy is a window into the future health of both mothers and their offspring. Fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has demonstrated superior accuracy and sensitivity compared to ultrasound, thus enhancing fetal assessment. MRI provides 3D multi-contrast information, enabling accurate volumetric measurements of fetal organs and placenta. However, additional functional and metabolic information, which indirectly reflects microstructural tissue properties, can be obtained, yet it is often underused. Advances in computational power and AI models have significantly advanced the quantitative assessment of fetal development. However, volumetric assessment represents only the tip of the iceberg, with a wealth of essential information accessible through advanced MRI methods. The talk will provide an overview of recent advancements and trends in AI aimed at enhancing fetal image acquisition and extracting quantitative measurements. Additionally, it will delve into the utilization of advanced MRI techniques to go beyond volumetric structural data.



Dafna Ben Bashat is an Associate Professor at Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center. She obtained her Ph.D. in chemical physics from Tel Aviv University before assuming the role of Deputy Director of the Sagol Brain Institute and head of MRI systems at Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center (TASMC).
With extensive training and a comprehensive background in MR physics, Professor Ben Bashat has specialized in the development of advanced MR acquisition and analysis methods. Her primary research objectives focus on enhancing patients' diagnosis and prognosis by leveraging state-of-the-art methods to develop more precise diagnostic tools. Over the past two decades, her research has centered primarily on brain pathologies, brain development, and fetal and placental assessment. Several of these methods have been successfully implemented in clinical practice at TASMC.