Determining uterine blood flow in pregnancy with magnetic resonance imaging.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study is to determine the feasibility of measuring total uterine blood flow in pregnancy using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique.


METHODS
Uterine blood flow was determined in pregnant women in whom MRI was being carried out to assess a fetal anomaly. A two-dimensional time-of-flight magnetic resonance (MR) angiogram sequence was performed. Scout images and a peripherally gated phase contrast MR sequence were planned to study simultaneous blood flow in the uterine and ovarian arteries.


RESULTS
The MR pelvic angiogram sequence was completed in 13 women. The uterine arteries were visualized and their cross-sectional area determined. The complexity of the pelvic blood supply prevented the calculation of blood flow velocity and, thus, total uterine blood flow.


CONCLUSIONS
The measurement of total uterine blood flow during pregnancy was not possible using our MR technique. The ovarian vessels were not consistently visualized. Doppler ultrasonography remains the best modality by which to estimate total uterine blood flow in pregnancy.
Pates
Jason A
JA
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA. jason.pates@amedd.army.mil
Hatab
Mustapha R
MR
McIntire
Donald D
DD
Cunningham
F Gary
FG
Twickler
Diane M
DM
D001783:Blood Flow Velocity / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D018810:Magnetic Resonance Angiography / Q000379:methods*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D011247:Pregnancy; D012039:Regional Blood Flow / Q000502:physiology*; D018608:Ultrasonography, Doppler / Q000379:methods; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal / Q000379:methods; D055988:Uterine Artery / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D014599:Uterus / Q000098:blood supply*