Quantitative digital analysis of regional placental perfusion using power Doppler in placental abruption

Abstract

Purpose: To apply digital imaging techniques to the quantification of placental vascularity using power Doppler.

Materials and methods: Regional placental blood flow was measured in a case of large placental abruption, shortly after presentation and 1 week later. Images were stored digitally and analysed using purpose-designed software (CQ Analysis) to extract and measure vascular energy information. The integrated color energy (ICE) was determined in the main body of placental tissue and in a cotyledon isolated by the retroplacental clot.

Results: Initial assessment at 25 weeks showed only a small difference in integrated energy between normal placenta and the isolated cotyledon (ICE ratio 1.44, P < 0.04). One week later, perfusion in the isolated cotyledon had fallen both on qualitative and quantitative assessment (ICE ratio 3.98, P < 0.0001). This area subsequently became devascularized.

Conclusion: Placental perfusion may be quantified using digital power Doppler analysis. Further studies are indicated to evaluate its role in assessing regional and/or global placental perfusion as well as fetal organ perfusion.