Advances in prenatal imaging of brain abnormalities associated with fetal growth restriction: a review

Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is associated with brain structure and functional abnormalities in fetal brain, significantly elevating perinatal morbidity and mortality. This condition is primarily attributed to placental dysfunction, resulting in chronic intrauterine hypoxia. Ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are principal imaging techniques employed for prenatal screening during mid-pregnancy. They are vital tools for diagnosing FGR and assessing its fetal brain morphological changes or functional impairments. With advances in medical imaging and the integrated use of these imaging techniques, the accuracy of assessing fetal development and detecting associated brain malformations has been greatly improved, with the potential to further explore the pathophysiologic mechanisms of fetal brain malformations. This review focuses on recent advancements and the clinical relevance of various brain imaging techniques for FGR, aiming to inform clinical diagnosis and treatment decisions.