Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound are two commonly used methods to monitor pregnancies, perform prenatal screening, and detect pregnancy complications. Both methods have technical advantages and limitations that suit them for specific uses. For example, traditional ultrasounds have limited utility in assessing blood flow, a measure of placental health, so MRI is often used to monitor the placenta. Researchers supported by NICHD through the Human Placenta Project are developing new ways of leveraging the high-quality images generated by MRI to diagnose and prevent placental complications during pregnancy.
Characterizing Healthy Placenta
Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University led noninvasive MRI studies and have successfully characterized normal blood flow rates, placental perfusion, and the impact of disease on the placenta using animal models. The team has also worked toward validating their methods for use in humans. For example, in one study, they successfully measured placental blood flow without having to introduce a contrast agent. They have also studied placental health in the context of Zika virus infection and other conditions.
Linking Placenta Blood Flow with Poor Outcomes
The research group conducted a first-of-its-kind MRI study of placental health throughout pregnancy. In their study, which included 316 pregnant people at two sites, researchers saw a strong correlation between a quantitative MRI measurement called T2* and pregnancy outcomes. Using this measurement, researchers identified pregnancies at risk for adverse outcomes across all gestational ages at both sites despite demographic differences in study subjects at the two sites.
Future of MRI in Prenatal Care
Preliminary results suggest MRI could be used to screen for obstetric conditions, such as fetal growth restriction (FGR). Measurements of T2* taken via MRI, especially when combined with other biomarkers, could lead to earlier diagnosis of potential placenta-related problems. This could allow for a tailored clinical care plan for the expectant pregnant person, reduce complications, and enable healthier outcomes.
Learn more about the team
Principal Investigator:
Learn more about the HPP-funded project:
Development and validation of MR imaging methods for in vivo assessment of placental perfusion and oxygenation
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