Diffusion and perfusion quantified by Magnetic Resonance Imaging are markers of human placenta development in normal pregnancy. (October 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Capuani, Silvia; Guerreri, Michele; Antonelli, Amanda; Bernardo, Silvia; Porpora, Maria Grazia; Giancotti, Antonella; Catalano, Carlo; Manganaro, Lucia
• Is Part Of: Placenta. Volume 58(2017:Oct.)
• Page Start: 33
• Page End: 39
• Publication Date: 2017-10
• Subjects: Magnetic Resonance Imaging -- DWI -- ADC -- Perfusion -- Normal placenta; Placenta -- Periodicals; Reproduction -- Periodicals; Placenta -- Periodicals; Placenta -- Périodiques; Reproduction -- Périodiques; 612.63
• DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2017.08.003
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0143-4004

Abstract

Abstract: Purpose: To investigate the potential of bi-exponential model of diffusion-weighted (DW) signal decay to quantify diffusion and perfusion changes in human placenta of normal pregnancies due to its development. Methods: 26 normal pregnancies at 19–37 weeks of gestation underwent Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) examination at 1.5 T. DW Spin-Echo Echo Planar Imaging with diffusion gradients applied along 3 no-coplanar directions at seven different b-values (0, 50, 100, 150, 400, 700, 1000 s/mm 2 ) was used. Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), pseudodiffusion (D*) and perfusion fraction (f) were extracted in selected placenta regions: umbilical (U-ROI), central (C-ROI) and peripheral (P-ROI). The relation between ADC, D*, f and mother age, gestational age (GA), Body-Mass Index (BMI), basal Glycaemia (bG), were evaluated. Pearson correlation with Bonferroni correction was used. Results: A significant negative correlation was found between ADC and GA, for GA≥30w in P-ROI, while no-dependence of ADC on GA was observed in GA range 19–29 weeks. A positive linear correlation was found between f and GA in the C-ROI and between f and GA in P-ROI for GA≥30 week. No significant correlations were found between ADC, D*, f and age, BMI, bG. Conclusion: ADC measurements in P-ROI of normal placenta reflects tissue changes occurring in the third trimester of gestation. Specifically, ADC decreases with GA increase. Besides, f increases with the GA increase in the C-ROI and during the third trimester of pregnancy in the P-ROI. These results suggest the potential of diffusion and perfusion parameters extracted by using a biexponential model to provide information about placenta changes during its development. Highlights: MR diffusion detects placenta changes occurring in the III trimester of gestation. ADC in normal placenta decreases with gestational age increase from 30 th week onwards. MR perfusion fraction f of normal placenta increases with gestational age increase. Bi-exponential model assures ADC quantification without perfusion contamination.