Improving fetal MRI imaging techniques for better diagnosis
Official title: The Value of Advanced Imaging Sequences for Fetal MRI in Clinical Practice
Run by Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust · NCT03302663 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing new ways to take better pictures of unborn babies using MRI to help doctors see their hearts and bones more clearly.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Sex | Women only |
| Enrollment | 150 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Sheffield, South Yorkshire) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | August 1, 2013 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2025 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2025 |
| Registry record updated | June 4, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT03302663 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates include pregnant women attending a fetal medicine clinic who are considering an MRI scan for their pregnancy management.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with contraindications to MRI or severe claustrophobia may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This project aims to enhance the diagnostic accuracy of fetal MRI by exploring advanced imaging sequences and comparing the effectiveness of 3T versus 1.5T MRI machines. It will investigate the potential of fetal MRI to provide detailed images of the fetal heart and bones, which are currently challenging to assess. The study is divided into four sections, focusing on improving existing imaging techniques and evaluating new sequences that could be integrated into clinical practice. By addressing these questions, the research seeks to establish the clinical value of advanced fetal MRI imaging.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved diagnostic capabilities for fetal conditions, enhancing prenatal care and management.
How similar studies have gone: While fetal MRI is an established technique, this study's focus on advanced imaging sequences and the use of 3T MRI represents a novel approach that has not been extensively tested in the UK.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Pregnant women who are attending the fetal medicine clinic and are asked to consider an MRI scan to provide information to help manage the current pregnancy. * Pregnant women requesting a termination of pregnancy who will allow us to do fetal MRI at 3T prior to the termination. Exclusion Criteria: * Contraindication to MRI * Severe claustrophobia
Where it's running
-
Sheffield Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Sheffield, South Yorkshire, United Kingdom Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Elspeth Whitby — University of Sheffield and Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
- Study coordinator: Elspeth Whitby
- Email: e.whitby@sheffield.ac.uk
- Phone: 01142262081
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Evaluating new fetoscopes for in-utero surgery
This study is testing two new types of fetoscopes to see which one works better for performing safe surgeries on unborn babies with certain health issues.
-
Remote Ischaemic Conditioning for Fatigue After Stroke 2
Aat least 12 weeks after stroke, adults with post-stroke fatigue will try a simple hand-arm cuff treatment at home to see if it helps reduce fatigue.
-
Better outcomes through improved sleep for surgical trainees
We will test whether improving sleep quality helps general surgical trainees and consultant surgeons perform better on cognitive tasks and laparoscopic skills.
-
Symprove probiotic for ongoing gut symptoms in coeliac disease
This will try the Symprove probiotic drink to see if it reduces ongoing gut symptoms in adults with coeliac disease who are already following a strict gluten‑free diet.
-
SpaceOAR Post-Market Registry for Rectal Hydrogel Spacers
This project will see how safe SpaceOAR and SpaceOAR Vue rectal hydrogel spacers are by collecting short- and long-term side-effect information from men receiving radiotherapy for prostate cancer in the UK and France.
-
Magnetic resonance lung imaging using hyperpolarised gas for cystic fibrosis
This project tests advanced lung imaging with hyperpolarised xenon MRI together with multiple breath washout in people with cystic fibrosis to see if they reveal lung changes over time.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.