Three-dimensional Power Doppler Ultrasound Study of the Placenta

Abstract

ABSTRACT Advanced ultrasound technology has been a valuable tool in the assessment of placental anatomy and physiology. Conventional two-dimensional (2D) sonography reveals placental morphological characteristics, 2D color Doppler can assess blood flow in the placenta, 2D power Doppler can evaluate placental vascular trees, and three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound gives more detailed information on the surface anatomy. Recent advances, such as 3D power Doppler with virtual organ computer aided-analysis (VOCAL) and histogram analysis can measure the placental volume, and assess uteroplacental and fetoplacental perfusions. In particular, ‘placental vascular sonobiopsy’ can specifically evaluate the second- and thirdtrimester placental blood flow and vascularity by obtaining several spherical samples from the placenta that will represent the entire placenta. This article presents normal placental development and pathological findings of the placenta using 3D power Doppler ultrasound, and discusses 3D power Doppler assessments of placental perfusion in high-risk pregnancies, such as fetal growth restriction, pregnancy-induced hypertension and preeclampsia, and, from this basis, re-establishes the importance of 3D power Doppler ultrasound as a screening, diagnostic, and surveillance tool in normal and abnormal pregnancies. How to cite this article Tanaka H, Cajusay-Velasco S, Noguchi J, Hata T. Three-dimensional Power Doppler Ultrasound Study of the Placenta. Donald School J Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2014;8(4):400-409.