Three dimensional power Doppler in the assessment of placental blood vessels

Abstract
In order to compare the performance of classical two dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound, both with power Doppler technology in assessment of placental blood vessels, we examined pregnant volunteers in third trimester of pregnancy. The aim of the study was to follow the branching of main stem vessel as far as possible distally in placenta. There was no difference in visualisation of primary placental stem vessels by 2D and 3D power Doppler. However, 3D power Doppler performs better distally, and difference becomes apparent being statistically significant on the level of secondary stem (p=0.03) and even more prominent on the level of tertiary stem vessels (p=0.0008). There was no difference in the visualisation rate of maternal branches of uteroplacental circulation (p>0.05), as well as no differences in the density of placental vascular network between normal pregnancy and pregnancies complicated by intrauterine growth restriction and pre-eclampsia.

Key words
Placenta, vasos, ultrasonido

Bibliografía del artículo

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