Decrease of uteroplacental blood flow after feticide during second-trimester pregnancy termination with complete placenta previa: quantitative analysis using contrast-enhanced ultrasound imaging

Abstract

Contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) was used to quantify the dynamic changes in uteroplacental blood flow before and after the interruption of fetal villus circulation resulting from feticide during a second trimester pregnancy termination in a patient with complete placenta previa. Quantitative analysis was performed on time-intensity curves acquired 24 h before and 48 h and 120 h after feticide and demonstrated the persistence of utero-placental blood flow with a progressive and two-step reduction in intervillous space and uteroplacental blood flow. Our results suggest that placental blood flow reduction after interruption of fetal circulation is a progressive and delayed mechanism.

Keywords: Contrast enhanced ultrasound; Human; Placenta previa; Pregnancy termination; Uteroplacental perfusion.