Placental magnetic resonance imaging in chronic hypertension: A case-control study

Ho A, Hutter J, Slator P, Jackson L, Seed PT, Mccabe L, Al-Adnani M, Marnerides A, George S, Story L, Hajnal J, Rutherford M, Chappell LC (2021)


Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2021

Journal

Book Volume: 104

Pages Range: 138-145

DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2020.12.006

Abstract

Introduction: We aimed to explore the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in vivo as a tool to elucidate the placental phenotype in women with chronic hypertension. Methods: In case-control study, women with chronic hypertension and those with uncomplicated pregnancies were imaged using either a 3T Achieva or 1.5T Ingenia scanner. T2-weighted images, diffusion weighted and T1/T2* relaxometry data was acquired. Placental T2*, T1 and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps were calculated. Results: 129 women (43 with chronic hypertension and 86 uncomplicated pregnancies) were imaged at a median of 27.7 weeks’ gestation (interquartile range (IQR) 23.9–32.1) and 28.9 (IQR 26.1–32.9) respectively. Visual analysis of T2-weighted imaging demonstrated placentae to be either appropriate for gestation or to have advanced lobulation in women with chronic hypertension, resulting in a greater range of placental mean T2* values for a given gestation, compared to gestation-matched controls. Both skew and kurtosis (derived from histograms of T2* values across the whole placenta) increased with advancing gestational age at imaging in healthy pregnancies; women with chronic hypertension had values overlapping those in the control group range. Upon visual assessment, the mean ADC declined in the third trimester, with a corresponding decline in placental mean T2* values and showed an overlap of values between women with chronic hypertension and the control group. Discussion: A combined placental MR examination including T2 weighted imaging, T2*, T1 mapping and diffusion imaging demonstrates varying placental phenotypes in a cohort of women with chronic hypertension, showing overlap with the control group.

Authors with CRIS profile

Involved external institutions

How to cite

APA:

Ho, A., Hutter, J., Slator, P., Jackson, L., Seed, P.T., Mccabe, L.,... Chappell, L.C. (2021). Placental magnetic resonance imaging in chronic hypertension: A case-control study. Placenta, 104, 138-145. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.placenta.2020.12.006

MLA:

Ho, Alison, et al. "Placental magnetic resonance imaging in chronic hypertension: A case-control study." Placenta 104 (2021): 138-145.

BibTeX: Download