Imaging placental function: current technology, clinical needs, and emerging modalities.

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Medical Imaging
• Developmental Biology

Background:

• The placenta's role in human health and development is increasingly recognized but remains poorly understood.
• Current understanding of placental function is limited, hindering effective screening and treatment for related conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current clinical and preclinical imaging modalities for assessing placental function.
• To highlight emerging preclinical imaging techniques for enhanced placental assessment.
• To provide guidance for developing new imaging systems for placental function.

Main Methods:

• Overview of existing medical imaging techniques (clinical and preclinical).
• Emphasis on advanced preclinical imaging modalities offering high contrast and sensitivity.
• Analysis of past successes and failures in medical imaging for placental assessment.

Main Results:

• Emerging preclinical imaging modalities show promise for multimodal functional and molecular placental imaging.
• Medical imaging can potentially improve screening for placental insufficiency.
• Imaging can enhance monitoring and treatment for complex obstetric patients.

Conclusions:

• Medical imaging holds significant potential for improving the study and clinical management of placental function.
• Further development of advanced preclinical imaging is crucial for detailed placental assessment.
• Lessons learned from past imaging efforts can guide future research and development.