Ultrasound Elastography can Detect Placental Tissue Abnormalities

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Medical Imaging
• Fetal Medicine

Background:

• Elastography is an ultrasound technique that measures tissue stiffness.
• Evaluating placental function is crucial for monitoring fetal well-being.
• This study investigated elastography's utility in assessing the placenta and fetus.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the utility of ultrasound elastography in evaluating placental characteristics.
• To correlate placental hardness measurements with fetal growth parameters.
• To assess elastography as a potential marker for intrauterine fetal well-being.

Main Methods:

• A prospective cohort study included 111 pregnant women in their third trimester.
• Ultrasound elastography was used to measure placental index (PI) and hardness (HT score).
• 40 placentas underwent pathological examination post-delivery.

Main Results:

• The placental index (PI) was significantly higher in the small for gestational age (SGA) group compared to the normal group.
• PI showed significant negative correlations with estimated fetal weight (EFW) and birth weight z-scores.
• Placental pathological ischemia findings were more prevalent in higher HT score groups.

Conclusions:

• Placental hardness measured by elastography correlates with reduced fetal and birth weight.
• Ultrasound elastography of the placenta may offer an additional method for assessing fetal well-being.
• Elastography shows promise as a non-invasive tool in prenatal diagnostics.