Assessment of Placental Function in Normal Pregnancy by Quantitative Three-Dimensional Color Power Doppler Angiography

Abstract

Objective To investigate the value of three-dimensional color power angiography (3D-CPA) and its quantitative indices on assessment of placental function in normal pregnancy. Methods From January 2006 to December 2009, a total of 204 healthy pregnant women with gestational age between 20+ 1 to 40 weeks were enrolled in this study. The vascularization index(VI), flow index(FI), and vascularization-flow index(VFI) of the placenta in normal pregnancy were assessed by using Quantitative three-dimensional color power angiography. Relationships between three-dimensional placental flow indices and fetus growth indices were evaluated by calculating their correlation coefficients. While the normal values range of placental vascular in midtrimester pregnancy and late pregnancy by three-dimensional color power angiography were detected. Informed consent was obtained from all participants. Results placental vascular pattern in normal pregnancy was arborescent, and the vasculars were more and thicker in late pregnancy than midtrimester pregnancy. From the isometric chart, the distribution range were wilder in late pregnancy than midtrimester pregnancy, and the Vmax shift backward. All three-dimensional color power angiography indices had a significant relationship with gestational age. A positive correlation between three-dimensional Doppler indices and fetus growth indices. Conclusion Three-dimensional color power angiography is an useful technique to view placental vascular pattern in normal pregnancy, and its Doppler parameters make the quantitative evaluation of placental function possible. It also provide an important instruction for obstetrician to diagnosis and therapy, and thus contributes to reduced incidence of birth defect of death. Key words: placenta; three-dimensional color power angiographic(3D-CPA); three-dimensional power Doppler indices; gestational age; normal pregnancy