Novel Ultrasound Technologies in Assessing the State of the Mother–placenta–fetus System

Abstract

The leading process in early pregnancy is forming the mother–placenta–fetus system. The central link of the mother–placenta–fetus system is the placenta. The structural features of the placenta reflect complex relationship between the mother's body and the fetus. Disorder in forming and functioning of the placenta underlies the development of complications such as early termination of pregnancy, placental insufficiency, fetal growth retardation syndrome, preeclampsia, premature birth. In this regard, an integrated approach in studying the hemodynamic system of mother–placenta–fetus is of particular importance. Ultrasound examination remains one of the most promising diagnostic methods. The aim of the study is to increase the effectiveness of diagnosis and prediction of gestational complications associated with violation of hemodynamic parameters in the mother–placenta–fetus system. Materials and methods. The study included 40 patients between the 30th and 32nd weeks of pregnancy with a singleton spontaneous pregnancy: 20 patients with normal course of pregnancy and 20 patients with a diagnosis of placental insufficiency. Ultrasound examination included standard echography in B-mode, color Doppler mapping and the use of modern techniques – three-dimensional imaging technology and innovative techniques of high-precision microvascular imaging SMI (Superb Micro-Vascular Imaging). Results and discussion. In patients with normal pregnancy, a variant of a three-dimensional model of the vascular network with a complex massive vascular network prevailed, whereas in the group with placental insufficiency, a three-dimensional vascular model looked simple: several intertwined vessels. Visual assessment of the placental vascular tree using SMI technology revealed the absence of a clear vascular pattern in the area of interest in patients with placental insufficiency, whereas active placental blood flow was determined in patients with normal pregnancy. Conclusions. The use of modern ultrasound technologies enables to obtain information about the state of placental blood flow, which gives the opportunity to diagnose the development of placental insufficiency in a timely manner.