Fetal and perinatal medicine is a rapidly expanding field, and
noninvasive imaging by means of ultrasonography and MRI is playing a
major role in refining diagnosis and therapy. Recent technological
advances in these imaging modalities now allow unprecedented
morphological depiction of the fetus and excellent insight into complex
pathologic conditions, as well as yielding superior guidance for
therapeutic fetal inter- ventions. I am very pleased that Professor F.
Avni, a leading international pediatric radiologist, was prepared to
take on the challenging task of preparing and editing this comprehen-
sive and up-to-date overview of our knowledge in the area of fetal and
perinatal imaging. He has been successful in engaging well-known experts
with outstanding qualifications in fetal imaging to join him in this
venture. I would like to congratulate Professor Avni and all
contributing authors most sincerely for their excellent work. I am
confident that this outstanding volume will meet with great interest not
only from general as well as specialized pediatric radiologists but also
from neonatologists and pediatricians. I trust it will enjoy the same
success as many previous volumes in this series. ALBERT L. BAERT Leuven
Preface Fetal and perinatal medicine would not have developed without
the extensive use of obstetric ultrasound (US). In order to be
efficient, the examination has to be performed very carefully and by
sonologists fully conversant with the normal and abnormal development of
the fetus.