We Should Perform a Systematic Evaluation of the Placenta.

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Medical Imaging
• Fetal Medicine

Background:

• The placenta is crucial for fetal development but often overlooked in routine obstetric ultrasounds.
• Current placental evaluation is limited to location, missing potential anomalies.
• Abnormalities are typically discovered incidentally, not through systematic assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and validate a standardized protocol for comprehensive placental ultrasound evaluation.
• To improve the detection rates of placental abnormalities.
• To establish a systematic method for assessing all pregnant subjects.

Main Methods:

• Development of a four-region standardized placental examination protocol.
• Evaluation of the uterine wall/decidua/chorion interface.
• Assessment of the amnion/chorion interface, placental body, and cord insertion/marginal area.

Main Results:

• The protocol provides a systematic approach to placental assessment.
• Improved identification of placental anomalies is anticipated.
• Applicable to all pregnant individuals undergoing obstetric ultrasound.

Conclusions:

• A standardized placental ultrasound protocol can significantly enhance anomaly detection.
• Systematic evaluation is superior to incidental findings for identifying placental issues.
• This protocol promotes better obstetric care through thorough placental assessment.