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

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.