Quantitative MRI Measurement of Lung Development in Early Onset Fetal Growth Restriction

Fetal growth restriction (FGR) occurs when a fetus does not reach its full growth potential, predisposing the fetus to long-term impacts on lung function at birth and into childhood. We propose a novel model of fetal lung tissue based on combined diffusion and relaxation and apply this to a cohort of FGR and appropriately grown controls. We show differences in lung model parameters in FGR relative to controls and with gestational age. We also link these parameters to measurement of feto-placental oxygenation. This methodology could potentially provide a non-invasive method to assess fetal lung development.