Ultrasound of the Placenta

Abstract

This review covers ultrasound evaluation of the normal and abnormal placenta with clinical correlation. Normal placental function is essential for a healthy pregnancy outcome as well as for maternal, fetal, childhood, and adult health. Abnormal placental function may result in a compromised pregnancy, creating pathology for the fetus and mother alike. Despite the fact that placental anatomy, function, and location has far-reaching effects for the parents and the developing offspring, ultrasound examination of the placenta is often considered secondary to the fetus by expectant parents and sonographers as well. Location, size, shape, and architecture are easily ascertained with two-dimensional techniques. Three-dimensional ultrasound and Doppler techniques have opened up the frontier of placental function and have set the stage to make placental evaluation as fascinating as that of the fetus. Learning objectives To assess normal placenta by ultrasound. To discuss abnormal placenta and umbilical cord. To understand placentation in multiple gestation.

Coincidence the Autosomal Recessive Polycystic Kidney Disease With Placenta Membranacea (A Probably Genetic Relation with PKHD1 Gene)

“…Mutations in the PKHD1 gene on chromosome 6p12, which is among the largest human genes cause ARPKD [13,14]. Up now there are not found any basic or genetic reason for placentae membranacea [10]. In the present case, for the first time, placentae membranacea and ARPKD occurred in one fetus.…”

“…Placentae membranacea take place when chorionic villi are spread all over the amniotic sac as a result of failure of regression in the first trimester [10] and subsequently occurred in second or third trimester of gestation [2,6].…”

Ultrasound Evaluation of Placental Thickness: Insights From an Observational Study and Implications for Fetal Growth Assessment

“…In monitoring the fetus's growth and planning for birth, a precise gestational age (GA) assessment is critical. Using several ultrasonography (USG)-derived fetal markers to date a pregnancy is currently the most effective method [2,3]. Changes in the placenta during mid-pregnancy, particularly between 17 and 20 weeks, have been found to correlate strongly with fetal development and can predict fetal abnormalities [4][5][6].…”