Computer analysis of three-dimensional power angiography images of foetal cerebral, lung and placental circulation in normal and high-risk pregnancy

Abstract

Three-dimensional (3-D) ultrasound (US) has greatly improved evaluation of organ circulation. The aim of this study was to explore the possible use of this new technique in normal and high-risk pregnancies. Fetal brain, lung and placenta 3-D power Doppler signal intensity were recorded in 115 normal singleton pregnancies (24 to 42 weeks gestation) and in 67 high-risk pregnancies. Mean image pixel signal intensity was calculated for each organ and a brain-lung ratio. In normal pregnancy, placental and lung signal intensity increased until 33, with a rapid decrease after 38, weeks of gestation. Fetal cerebral signal intensity increased with gestational age. Placental and fetal lung signal intensity was significantly lower in high-risk pregnancies than in the control group, with increased fetal brain and brain-lung ratios. The present results suggest a reduction of placental perfusion after 38 weeks of gestation in normal pregnancy, with redistribution of fetal circulation. Lung signal intensity increased abruptly at 32 weeks of gestation, which might reflect lung maturity. The new method showed signs of centralization of fetal circulation at the end of gestation. The results might suggest a possible clinical use for fetal surveillance in high-risk pregnancies. (E-mail: saemundur.gudmundsson@obst.mas.lu.se)