Placental Blood Flow by Three-dimensional Doppler Ultrasound

Abstract

ABSTRACT This review aims to provide the reader with an overview of the potential clinical applications in three-dimensional (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 anatomical and 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. How to cite this article Zalud I. Placental Blood Flow by Threedimensional Doppler Ultrasound. Donald School J Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2016;10(1):55-62.