title: Comprehensive Imaging Review of Abnormalities of the Placenta.
abstract: The placenta has a fundamental role in fetal health and functions as an important bridge to normal fetal development throughout pregnancy. A complete fetal ultrasound (US) survey should include full assessment of the placenta for any possible abnormalities. Placental diseases range from abnormal morphology, size, location, extent, and degree of placentation, to abruption and the presence of rare placental neoplasms of benign or malignant nature. Some of these conditions are associated with other diseases including aneuploidies, and their discovery should alert the radiologist to perform a very thorough fetal US examination. At times, a fetal karyotype may be needed to provide additional information. Timely detection of placental abnormalities can alert the clinician regarding the need to make important management decisions to reduce fetal and maternal morbidity and mortality. Familiarity with the normal and abnormal imaging appearance of the placenta is therefore necessary for the radiologist. Ultrasound with Doppler is the initial imaging modality of choice for placental assessment. Magnetic resonance imaging serves as a problem-solving examination in instances where the US findings are equivocal or where additional information is needed. Computed tomography has a limited role in the evaluation of placental disease because of its relatively limited tissue characterization and in particular because of the resultant direct radiation exposure of the fetus. However, in specific instances, particularly after trauma, computed tomography can provide invaluable information for patient management.
authors.affiliation: *Department of Radiology, University of Washington School of Medicine; †Seattle Radiologists; ‡Department of Laboratories, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, WA; and §Department of Radiology, Winthrop-University Hospital, Mineola, NY.
authors.forename: Sadaf F
authors.initials: SF
authors.lastname: Zaidi
authors.forename: Mariam
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Moshiri
authors.forename: Sherif
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Osman
authors.forename: Tracy J
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Robinson
authors.forename: Joseph R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Siebert
authors.forename: Puneet
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Bhargava
authors.forename: Douglas S
authors.initials: DS
authors.lastname: Katz
mesh_terms: D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D010920:Placenta / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D010922:Placenta Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D011247:Pregnancy; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal / Q000379:methods*