title: Advanced MR imaging of the placenta: Exploring the in utero placenta-brain connection.
abstract: The placenta is a vital organ necessary for the healthy neurodevelopment of the fetus. Despite the known associations between placental dysfunction and neurologic impairment, there is a paucity of tools available to reliably assess in vivo placental health and function. Existing clinical tools for placental assessment remain insensitive in predicting and evaluating placental well-being. Advanced MRI techniques hold significant promise for the dynamic, non-invasive, real-time assessment of placental health and identification of early placental-based disorders. In this review, we summarize the available clinical tools for placental assessment, including ultrasound, Doppler, and conventional MRI. We then explore the emerging role of advanced placental MR imaging techniques for supporting the developing fetus and appraise the strengths and limitations of quantitative MRI in identifying early markers of placental dysfunction for improved pregnancy monitoring and fetal outcomes.
authors.affiliation: Division of Neonatology, Children's National Health System, 111 Michigan Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20010; Department of Pediatrics, George Washington University School of Medicine, 2300 Eye St. NW, Washington, DC 20037.
authors.forename: Nickie Niforatos
authors.initials: NN
authors.lastname: Andescavage
authors.affiliation: Division of Fetal and Transitional Medicine, Children's National Health System, 111 Michigan Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20010; Department of Pediatrics, George Washington University School of Medicine, 2300 Eye St. NW, Washington, DC 20037.
authors.forename: Adre
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: du Plessis
authors.affiliation: Division of Neonatology, Children's National Health System, 111 Michigan Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20010; Division of Fetal and Transitional Medicine, Children's National Health System, 111 Michigan Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20010; Department of Pediatrics, George Washington University School of Medicine, 2300 Eye St. NW, Washington, DC 20037; Division of Diagnostic Imaging and Radiology, Children's National Health System, 111 Michigan Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20010; Division of Radiology, George Washington University School of Medicine, 2300 Eye St. NW, Washington, DC 20037. Electronic address: climpero@childrensnational.org.
authors.forename: Catherine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Limperopoulos
mesh_terms: D001921:Brain / Q000196:embryology / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D005315:Fetal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D009929:Organ Size; D010920:Placenta / Q000473:pathology*; D010927:Placental Insufficiency / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D018608:Ultrasonography, Doppler
keywords: Fetal brain; Magnetic resonance imaging; Placenta