3D Doppler ultrasound in the study of placental vascularization

Abstract

This review aims to provide the reader with an overview of the potential clinical applications in 3D Doppler ultrasound for the evaluation of vascularity and blood flow within the placenta. Significant innovations have recently occurred, improving the visualization and evaluation of placental vascularity, resulting from enhancements in delineation of tissue detail through electronic compounding and harmonics, as well as enhancements in signal processing of frequencyand/or amplitude-based color Doppler ultrasound. Spatial representation of vascularity can be improved by utilizing 3D processing. Greater sensitivity of 3D Doppler ultrasound to macro-and microvascular flow has provided improved anatomicand physiologic assessment throughout pregnancy. The rapid development of these new sonographic techniques will continue to enlarge the scope of clinical applications in placental studies. Three-dimensional Doppler sonography is a unique ultrasound technique that enables assessment of vascular signals within the whole investigated area. Homodynamic changes included in the process of placentation are one of the most exciting topics in the investigation of early human development.

Ultrasound of the Placenta

“…Figure 20 appear to increase slowly and steadily as pregnancy advances. 74 Three-dimensional color Doppler of placental vasculature is in its infancy. It is the hope that future investigation will prove this technique clinically useful.…”