MRI of the placenta - a short review

Wien Med Wochenschr. 2012 May;162(9-10):225-8. doi: 10.1007/s10354-012-0073-4.

Abstract

While ultrasound is still the gold standard method of placental investigation, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has certain benefits. In advanced gestational age, obese women, and posterior placental location, MRI is advantageous due to the larger field of view and its multiplanar capabilities. Some pathologies are seen more clearly in MRI, such as infarctions and placental invasive disorders. The future development is towards functional placental MRI. Placental MRI has become an important complementary method for evaluation of placental anatomy and pathologies contributing to fetal problems such as intrauterine growth restriction.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Abruptio Placentae / diagnosis
  • Abruptio Placentae / physiopathology
  • Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Female
  • Fetal Growth Retardation / diagnosis
  • Fetal Growth Retardation / physiopathology
  • Gestational Age
  • Humans
  • Hydatidiform Mole, Invasive / diagnosis
  • Hydatidiform Mole, Invasive / physiopathology
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Infarction / diagnosis
  • Infarction / physiopathology
  • Magnetic Resonance Angiography
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
  • Placenta / blood supply
  • Placenta / pathology
  • Placenta Accreta / diagnosis
  • Placenta Accreta / physiopathology
  • Placenta Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Placenta Diseases / physiopathology
  • Placenta Previa / diagnosis
  • Placenta Previa / physiopathology
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy, Multiple / physiology
  • Regional Blood Flow / physiology
  • Uterine Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Uterine Neoplasms / physiopathology