Evaluation of Placental Micro-vascularization by Superb Micro-vascular Imaging Doppler in Cases of Intra-uterine Growth Restriction: A First Step

Abstract

Superb micro-vascular imaging (SMI) Doppler has proven to be a valid method to assess normal placental micro-vascularization. In this study, we present the application of SMI Doppler to assess placental micro-vascularization in cases of placental insufficiency. We observed fewer secondary and tertiary villi in cases of intra-uterine growth restriction, as well as a lower pulsatile index of secondary villi. The observations made in our study stress the diagnostic potential of SMI Doppler in placental insufficiency.

Keywords: Intra-uterine growth restriction; Placental micro-vascularization; SMI Doppler; placental insufficiency.