title: Quantitative digital analysis of regional placental perfusion using power Doppler in placental abruption.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To apply digital imaging techniques to the quantification of placental vascularity using power Doppler.
  
  
  METHODS
  Regional placental blood flow was measured in a case of large placental abruption, shortly after presentation and 1 week later. Images were stored digitally and analysed using purpose-designed software (CQ Analysis) to extract and measure vascular energy information. The integrated color energy (ICE) was determined in the main body of placental tissue and in a cotyledon isolated by the retroplacental clot.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Initial assessment at 25 weeks showed only a small difference in integrated energy between normal placenta and the isolated cotyledon (ICE ratio 1.44, P < 0.04). One week later, perfusion in the isolated cotyledon had fallen both on qualitative and quantitative assessment (ICE ratio 3.98, P < 0.0001). This area subsequently became devascularized.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Placental perfusion may be quantified using digital power Doppler analysis. Further studies are indicated to evaluate its role in assessing regional and/or global placental perfusion as well as fetal organ perfusion.
authors: Centre for Fetal Care, Institute of Osbtetrics & Gynecology, Department of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Imperial College School of Medicine, Queen Charlotte's & Chelsea Hospital, London, UK. a. welsh@ic.ac.uk
authors: A W
authors: AW
authors: Welsh
authors: P R
authors: PR
authors: Bennett
authors: N M
authors: NM
authors: Fisk
mesh_terms: D000037:Abruptio Placentae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D010920:Placenta / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011247:Pregnancy; D011262:Pregnancy Trimester, Second; D012039:Regional Blood Flow; D018608:Ultrasonography, Doppler