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Dankó I, Kelemen E, Tankó A, Cserni G. Placental Pathology and Its Associations With Clinical Signs in Different Subtypes of Fetal Growth Restriction. Pediatr Dev Pathol 2023; 26:437-446. [PMID: 37334814 DOI: 10.1177/10935266231179587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We evaluated placental alterations in different subtypes of fetal growth restriction (FGR) to determine any clinical associations. METHODS FGR placentas classified according to the Amsterdam criteria were correlated with clinical findings. Percentage of intact terminal villi and villous capillarization ratio were calculated in each specimen. Correlations of placental histopathology and perinatal outcomes were studied. 61 FGR cases were studied. RESULTS Early-onset-FGR was more often associated with preeclampsia and recurrence than late-onset-FGR; placentas from early-onset-FGR often had diffuse maternal (or fetal) vascular malperfusion and villitis of unknown etiology. Decreased percentage of intact terminal villi was associated with pathologic CTG. Decreased villous capillarization was associated with early-onset-FGR and birth weight below the second percentile. Avascular villi and infarction were more common when femoral length/abdominal circumference ratio was >0.26, and perinatal outcome was poor in this group. CONCLUSION In early-onset-FGR and preeclamptic FGR, altered vascularization of villi may have a key role in pathogenesis, and recurrent FGR is associated with villitis of unknown etiology. There is an association between femoral length/abdominal circumference ratio >0.26 and histopathological alterations of placenta in FGR pregnancies. There are no significant differences in the percentage of intact terminal villi between different FGR subtypes by onset or recurrency.
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Affiliation(s)
- István Dankó
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Bács-Kiskun County Teaching Hospital, Kecskemét, Hungary
| | - Edit Kelemen
- Perinatal Intensive Centre, Bács-Kiskun County Teaching Hospital, Kecskemét, Hungary
| | - András Tankó
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Bács-Kiskun County Teaching Hospital, Kecskemét, Hungary
| | - Gábor Cserni
- Department of Pathology, Bács-Kiskun County Teaching Hospital, Kecskemét, Hungary
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2
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Clark A, Flouri D, Mufti N, James J, Clements E, Aughwane R, Aertsen M, David A, Melbourne A. Developments in functional imaging of the placenta. Br J Radiol 2023; 96:20211010. [PMID: 35234516 PMCID: PMC10321248 DOI: 10.1259/bjr.20211010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The placenta is both the literal and metaphorical black box of pregnancy. Measurement of the function of the placenta has the potential to enhance our understanding of this enigmatic organ and serve to support obstetric decision making. Advanced imaging techniques are key to support these measurements. This review summarises emerging imaging technology being used to measure the function of the placenta and new developments in the computational analysis of these data. We address three important examples where functional imaging is supporting our understanding of these conditions: fetal growth restriction, placenta accreta, and twin-twin transfusion syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alys Clark
- Auckland Bioengineering Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | | | | | - Joanna James
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Eleanor Clements
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Rosalind Aughwane
- Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Institute for Women’s Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Michael Aertsen
- Department of Radiology, University Hospitals KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Anna David
- Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Institute for Women’s Health, University College London, London, UK
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3
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Wang G, Lu P, Qiao P, Zhang P, Cai X, Tang L, Qian T, Wang H. Blood vessel remodeling in late stage of vascular network reconstruction is essential for peripheral nerve regeneration. Bioeng Transl Med 2022; 7:e10361. [PMID: 36176610 PMCID: PMC9472024 DOI: 10.1002/btm2.10361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 04/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the bottlenecks of advanced study on tissue engineering in regenerative medicine is rapid and functional vascularization. For a deeper comprehension of vascularization, the exhaustive, dynamic, and three-dimensional depiction of perfused vascular network reconstruction during peripheral nerve regeneration was performed using Micro-CT scanning. The 10 mm defect of sciatic nerve in rat was bridged by the autologous or tissue engineered nerve. The blood vessel anastomosis between nerve stumps and autologous nerve accomplished at 4 days to 1 week after surgery, which was a sufficient basis for the mature vascular network re-establishment. The stronger ability for sprouting angiogenesis and vascular remodeling of autologous nerve compared with tissue engineered nerve was revealed. However, common phases of vascularization in peripheral nerve regeneration were painted: hypoxic initiation, sprouting angiogenesis, and remodeling and maturation. The effect of less-concerned vascular remodeling on nerve regeneration was further analyzed after nerve crush injury. The blockage of vascular remodeling in late stage by VEGF injection significantly inhibited axons and myelin sheaths regeneration, which attenuated the impulse conduction toward reinnervated muscles. It was illustrated that a large amount of immature blood vessels rather than necessary vascular remodeling elevated local inflammation level in nerve regeneration microenvironment. The figures inspired us to understand the close connections between vascularization and peripheral nerve regeneration from a broader dimension to achieve better constructions, regulations and repair effects of tissue engineered nerves in clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co‐Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology ProductsNantong UniversityNantongChina
| | - Panjian Lu
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co‐Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology ProductsNantong UniversityNantongChina
| | - Pingping Qiao
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co‐Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology ProductsNantong UniversityNantongChina
| | - Ping Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co‐Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology ProductsNantong UniversityNantongChina
| | - Xiaodong Cai
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co‐Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology ProductsNantong UniversityNantongChina
| | - Leili Tang
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co‐Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology ProductsNantong UniversityNantongChina
| | - Tianmei Qian
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co‐Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology ProductsNantong UniversityNantongChina
- Medical College of Soochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Hongkui Wang
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co‐Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology ProductsNantong UniversityNantongChina
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4
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Dap M, Chen B, Banasiak C, Hossu G, Morel O, Beaumont M, Bertholdt C. MRI Angiography of normal and pathological pregnancy PLacentas Ex vivo (MAPLE): protocol for a prospective pilot study. (Preprint). JMIR Res Protoc 2021; 11:e35051. [PMID: 35947435 PMCID: PMC9403824 DOI: 10.2196/35051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Preeclampsia (PE) and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) are 2 major pregnancy complications due to abnormal placental vasculogenesis. Data on whole fetoplacental vasculature are still missing; hence, these pathologies are not well understood. Ex vivo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) angiography has been developed to characterize the human placental vasculature by injecting a contrast agent within the umbilical cord. Objective The primary objective of this study is to compare the placental vascular architecture between normal and pathological pregnancies. This study’s secondary objectives are to (1) compare texture features on MRI between groups (normal and pathological), (2) quantitatively compare the vascular architecture between both pathological groups (pathological IUGR, and pathological PE), (3) evaluate the quality of the histological examination in injected placentas, and (4) compare vascularization indices to histological characteristics. Methods This is a prospective controlled study. We expect to include 100 placentas: 40 from normal pregnancies and 60 from pathological pregnancies (30 for IUGR and 30 for PE). Ex vivo MR image acquisition will be performed shortly after delivery and with preparation by injection of a contrast agent in the umbilical cord. The vascular architecture will be quantitatively described by vascularization indices measured from ex vivo MRI angiography data. Comparisons of vascularization indices and texture features in accordance with the group and within comparable gestational age will be also performed. After MR image acquisition, placental histopathological analysis will be performed. Results The enrollment of women began in November 2019. In view of the recruitment capacity of our institution and the availability of the MRI, recruitment should be completed by March 2022. As of November 2021, we enrolled 70% of the intended study population. Conclusions This study protocol aims to provide information about the fetal side of placental vascular architecture in normal and pathological placenta through MRI. Trial Registration Clinicaltrials.gov NCT04389099; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04389099 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/35051
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthieu Dap
- Obstetric and Fetal Medicine Unit, Centre Hospitalier Régional Universitaire of Nancy, Nancy, France
- Department of Foetopathology and Placental Pathology, Centre Hospitalier Régional Universitaire of Nancy, Nancy, France
| | - Bailiang Chen
- INSERM U1254, IADI, Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy, France
- INSERM CIC-IT 1433 Innovative Technology, University of Lorraine and University Hospital of Nancy, Nancy, France
| | - Claire Banasiak
- INSERM CIC-IT 1433 Innovative Technology, University of Lorraine and University Hospital of Nancy, Nancy, France
| | - Gabriela Hossu
- INSERM CIC-IT 1433 Innovative Technology, University of Lorraine and University Hospital of Nancy, Nancy, France
| | - Olivier Morel
- Obstetric and Fetal Medicine Unit, Centre Hospitalier Régional Universitaire of Nancy, Nancy, France
- INSERM U1254, IADI, Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy, France
| | - Marine Beaumont
- INSERM U1254, IADI, Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy, France
- INSERM CIC-IT 1433 Innovative Technology, University of Lorraine and University Hospital of Nancy, Nancy, France
| | - Charline Bertholdt
- Obstetric and Fetal Medicine Unit, Centre Hospitalier Régional Universitaire of Nancy, Nancy, France
- INSERM U1254, IADI, Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy, France
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5
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James JL, Tongpob Y, Srinivasan V, Crew RC, Bappoo N, Doyle B, Gerneke D, Clark AR, Wyrwoll CS. Three-dimensional visualisation of the feto-placental vasculature in humans and rodents. Placenta 2021; 114:8-13. [PMID: 34418753 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2021.08.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Adequate development of the feto-placental circulation is critical for placental exchange function and healthy fetal growth. Understanding the structure of this circulation and how it informs fetal outcomes is important both in the human placenta, and the rodent, a purported comparative experimental model. Vascular casting and micro-CT imaging approaches enable detailed quantification of the complex vascular relationships in the feto-circulation, and provide detailed data to parameterise in silico models. Here, to assist researchers to apply these technically challenging methods we provide detailed approaches to cast and image; 1) human placentas at the cotyledon-level, and 2) whole rodent placentas.
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Affiliation(s)
- J L James
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Y Tongpob
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia; Faculty of Medical Science, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand
| | - V Srinivasan
- Auckland Bioengineering Institute, University of Auckland, New Zealand
| | - R C Crew
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - N Bappoo
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia; Vascular Engineering Laboratory, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, QEII Medical Centre and the UWA Centre for Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, WA, Australia; School of Engineering, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - B Doyle
- Vascular Engineering Laboratory, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, QEII Medical Centre and the UWA Centre for Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, WA, Australia; School of Engineering, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia; Australian Research Council Centre for Personalised Therapeutics Technologies, Australia; Centre for Cardiovascular Science, The University of Edinburgh, UK
| | - D Gerneke
- Auckland Bioengineering Institute, University of Auckland, New Zealand
| | - A R Clark
- Auckland Bioengineering Institute, University of Auckland, New Zealand
| | - C S Wyrwoll
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia.
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6
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Leyssens L, Pestiaux C, Kerckhofs G. A Review of Ex Vivo X-ray Microfocus Computed Tomography-Based Characterization of the Cardiovascular System. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:3263. [PMID: 33806852 PMCID: PMC8004599 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22063263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular malformations and diseases are common but complex and often not yet fully understood. To better understand the effects of structural and microstructural changes of the heart and the vasculature on their proper functioning, a detailed characterization of the microstructure is crucial. In vivo imaging approaches are noninvasive and allow visualizing the heart and the vasculature in 3D. However, their spatial image resolution is often too limited for microstructural analyses, and hence, ex vivo imaging is preferred for this purpose. Ex vivo X-ray microfocus computed tomography (microCT) is a rapidly emerging high-resolution 3D structural imaging technique often used for the assessment of calcified tissues. Contrast-enhanced microCT (CE-CT) or phase-contrast microCT (PC-CT) improve this technique by additionally allowing the distinction of different low X-ray-absorbing soft tissues. In this review, we present the strengths of ex vivo microCT, CE-CT and PC-CT for quantitative 3D imaging of the structure and/or microstructure of the heart, the vasculature and their substructures in healthy and diseased state. We also discuss their current limitations, mainly with regard to the contrasting methods and the tissue preparation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Leyssens
- Institute of Mechanics, Materials, and Civil Engineering, Université Catholique de Louvain, 1348 Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium; (L.L.); (C.P.)
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research, Université Catholique de Louvain, 1200 Woluwe-Saint-Lambert, Belgium
| | - Camille Pestiaux
- Institute of Mechanics, Materials, and Civil Engineering, Université Catholique de Louvain, 1348 Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium; (L.L.); (C.P.)
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research, Université Catholique de Louvain, 1200 Woluwe-Saint-Lambert, Belgium
| | - Greet Kerckhofs
- Institute of Mechanics, Materials, and Civil Engineering, Université Catholique de Louvain, 1348 Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium; (L.L.); (C.P.)
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research, Université Catholique de Louvain, 1200 Woluwe-Saint-Lambert, Belgium
- Department of Materials Engineering, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, 3001 Leuven, Belgium
- Prometheus, Division of Skeletal Tissue Engineering, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
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7
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Byrne M, Aughwane R, James JL, Hutchinson JC, Arthurs OJ, Sebire NJ, Ourselin S, David AL, Melbourne A, Clark AR. Structure-function relationships in the feto-placental circulation from in silico interpretation of micro-CT vascular structures. J Theor Biol 2021; 517:110630. [PMID: 33607145 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2021.110630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Revised: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
A well-functioning placenta is critical for healthy fetal development, as the placenta brings fetal blood in close contact with nutrient rich maternal blood, enabling exchange of nutrients and waste between mother and fetus. The feto-placental circulation forms a complex branching structure, providing blood to fetal capillaries, which must receive sufficient blood flow to ensure effective exchange, but at a low enough pressure to prevent damage to placental circulatory structures. The branching structure of the feto-placental circulation is known to be altered in complications such as fetal growth restriction, and the presence of regions of vascular dysfunction (such as hypovascularity or thrombosis) are proposed to elevate risk of placental pathology. Here we present a methodology to combine micro-computed tomography and computational model-based analysis of the branching structure of the feto-placental circulation in ex vivo placentae from normal term pregnancies. We analyse how vascular structure relates to function in this key organ of pregnancy; demonstrating that there is a 'resilience' to placental vascular structure-function relationships. We find that placentae with variable chorionic vascular structures, both with and without a Hyrtl's anastomosis between the umbilical arteries, and those with multiple regions of poorly vascularised tissue are able to function with a normal vascular resistance. Our models also predict that by progressively introducing local heterogeneity in placental vascular structure, large increases in feto-placental vascular resistances are induced. This suggests that localised heterogeneities in placental structure could potentially provide an indicator of increased risk of placental dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Byrne
- Auckland Bioengineering Institute, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Rosalind Aughwane
- Department of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Prenatal Cell and Gene Therapy Group, Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, WC1E 6HX, United Kingdom
| | - Joanna L James
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - J Ciaran Hutchinson
- NIHR GOS Institute of Child Health Biomedical Research Centre, University College, London, United Kingdom; Department of Histopathology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Owen J Arthurs
- NIHR GOS Institute of Child Health Biomedical Research Centre, University College, London, United Kingdom; Paediatric Radiology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Neil J Sebire
- NIHR GOS Institute of Child Health Biomedical Research Centre, University College, London, United Kingdom; Department of Histopathology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sebastien Ourselin
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, Kings College London, United Kingdom
| | - Anna L David
- Department of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Prenatal Cell and Gene Therapy Group, Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, WC1E 6HX, United Kingdom; NIHR University College London Hospitals Biomedical Research Centre, 149 Tottenham Court Road, London, W1T 7DN, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew Melbourne
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, Kings College London, United Kingdom
| | - Alys R Clark
- Auckland Bioengineering Institute, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
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8
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Nguyen CD, Correia-Branco A, Adhikari N, Mercan E, Mallidi S, Wallingford MC. New Frontiers in Placenta Tissue Imaging. EMJ. RADIOLOGY 2020; 1:54-62. [PMID: 35949207 PMCID: PMC9361653 DOI: 10.33590/emjradiol/19-00210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The placenta is a highly vascularized organ with unique structural and metabolic complexities. As the primary conduit of fetal support, the placenta mediates transport of oxygen, nutrients, and waste between maternal and fetal blood. Thus, normal placenta anatomy and physiology is absolutely required for maintenance of maternal and fetal health during pregnancy. Moreover, impaired placental health can negatively impact offspring growth trajectories as well as increase the risk of maternal cardiovascular disease later in life. Despite these crucial roles for the placenta, placental disorders, such as preeclampsia, intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), and preterm birth, remain incompletely understood. Effective noninvasive imaging and image analysis are needed to advance the obstetrician's clinical reasoning toolkit and improve the utility of the placenta in interpreting maternal and fetal health trajectories. Current paradigms in placental imaging and image analysis aim to improve the traditional imaging techniques that may be time-consuming, costly, or invasive. In concert with conventional clinical approaches such as ultrasound (US), advanced imaging modalities can provide insightful information on the structure of placental tissues. Herein we discuss such imaging modalities, their specific applications in structural, vascular, and metabolic analysis of placental health, and emerging frontiers in image analysis research in both preclinical and clinical contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher D. Nguyen
- Tufts University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, 4 Colby St, Medford, MA 02155
| | - Ana Correia-Branco
- Tufts Medical Center, Mother Infant Research Institute, 800 Washington Street Box #394, Boston, MA 02111
- ufts Medical Center, Molecular Cardiology Research Institute, 800 Washington Street Box #394, Boston, MA 02111
| | - Nimish Adhikari
- Tufts University, Department of Computer Science, 419 Boston Ave, Medford, MA 02155
| | - Ezgi Mercan
- Seattle Children’s Hospital, Craniofacial Center, 4800 Sand Point Way NE Seattle, WA 98105
| | - Srivalleesha Mallidi
- Tufts University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, 4 Colby St, Medford, MA 02155
| | - Mary C. Wallingford
- Tufts Medical Center, Mother Infant Research Institute, 800 Washington Street Box #394, Boston, MA 02111
- ufts Medical Center, Molecular Cardiology Research Institute, 800 Washington Street Box #394, Boston, MA 02111
- Tufts University School of Medicine, Obstetrics & Gynecology, 800 Washington Street Box #394, Boston, MA 02111
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Barapatre N, Aschauer B, Kampfer C, Schmitz C, von Koch FE, Frank HG. Air contrast of the intervillous space enables non-disruptive Micro-CT analysis of paraffin-embedded archival placental tissue. Placenta 2020; 100:66-68. [PMID: 32862057 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2020.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Revised: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The morphometric parameters of the villous tree are a strong indicator of deviant placentas. Methods have been established to digitally reconstruct small peripheral branches by tracing with 3D Microscopy at subcellular resolution. Micro-CT can help scale up the scanning of villous trees with resolution in the range of a few micrometers. As placental tissue samples are routinely conserved and archived by fixation and paraffin embedding, the villous structures are inaccessible to Micro-CT imaging due to poor contrast between paraffin and paraffinized tissue. We present a novel procedure for contrast enhancement by selectively replacing wax by air in the intervillous space.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Barapatre
- LMU Munich, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Anatomy II, Pettenkoferstr. 11, 80336, Munich, Germany.
| | - B Aschauer
- LMU Munich, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Anatomy II, Pettenkoferstr. 11, 80336, Munich, Germany
| | - C Kampfer
- LMU Munich, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Anatomy II, Pettenkoferstr. 11, 80336, Munich, Germany
| | - C Schmitz
- LMU Munich, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Anatomy II, Pettenkoferstr. 11, 80336, Munich, Germany
| | - F E von Koch
- Clinic for Obstetrics and Gynecology Dritter Orden, Menzinger Str. 44, 80638, Munich, Germany
| | - H-G Frank
- LMU Munich, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Anatomy II, Pettenkoferstr. 11, 80336, Munich, Germany
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10
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Advances in imaging feto-placental vasculature: new tools to elucidate the early life origins of health and disease. J Dev Orig Health Dis 2020; 12:168-178. [PMID: 32746961 DOI: 10.1017/s2040174420000720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Optimal placental function is critical for fetal development, and therefore a crucial consideration for understanding the developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD). The structure of the fetal side of the placental vasculature is an important determinant of fetal growth and cardiovascular development. There are several imaging modalities for assessing feto-placental structure including stereology, electron microscopy, confocal microscopy, micro-computed tomography, light-sheet microscopy, ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging. In this review, we present current methodologies for imaging feto-placental vasculature morphology ex vivo and in vivo in human and experimental models, their advantages and limitations and how these provide insight into placental function and fetal outcomes. These imaging approaches add important perspective to our understanding of placental biology and have potential to be new tools to elucidate a deeper understanding of DOHaD.
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11
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Clark AR, Lee TC, James JL. Computational modeling of the interactions between the maternal and fetal circulations in human pregnancy. WIREs Mech Dis 2020; 13:e1502. [PMID: 32744412 DOI: 10.1002/wsbm.1502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Revised: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
In pregnancy, fetal growth is supported by its placenta. In turn, the placenta is nourished by maternal blood, delivered from the uterus, in which the vasculature is dramatically transformed to deliver this blood an ever increasing volume throughout gestation. A healthy pregnancy is thus dependent on the development of both the placental and maternal circulations, but also the interface where these physically separate circulations come in close proximity to exchange gases and nutrients between mum and baby. As the system continually evolves during pregnancy, our understanding of normal vascular anatomy, and how this impacts placental exchange function is limited. Understanding this is key to improve our ability to understand, predict, and detect pregnancy pathologies, but presents a number of challenges, due to the inaccessibility of the pregnant uterus to invasive measurements, and limitations in the resolution of imaging modalities safe for use in pregnancy. Computational approaches provide an opportunity to gain new insights into normal and abnormal pregnancy, by connecting observed anatomical changes from high-resolution imaging to function, and providing metrics that can be observed by routine clinical ultrasound. Such advanced modeling brings with it challenges to scale detailed anatomical models to reflect organ level function. This suggests pathways for future research to provide models that provide both physiological insights into pregnancy health, but also are simple enough to guide clinical focus. We the review evolution of computational approaches to understanding the physiology and pathophysiology of pregnancy in the uterus, placenta, and beyond focusing on both opportunities and challenges. This article is categorized under: Reproductive System Diseases >Computational Models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alys R Clark
- Auckland Bioengineering Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Tet Chuan Lee
- Auckland Bioengineering Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Joanna L James
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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12
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Tongpob Y, Xia S, Wyrwoll C, Mehnert A. Quantitative characterization of rodent feto-placental vasculature morphology in micro-computed tomography images. COMPUTER METHODS AND PROGRAMS IN BIOMEDICINE 2019; 179:104984. [PMID: 31443859 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmpb.2019.104984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2019] [Revised: 06/18/2019] [Accepted: 07/13/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Optimal development of placental vasculature is critical for fetal growth and health outcomes. Many studies characterizing the vascular structure of the fetal side of the placenta have utilized a range of two-dimensional and three-dimensional (3D) imaging techniques including X-ray micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) following perfusion of the vasculature with a radio-opaque compound. The CT approach has been used to study feto-placental vasculature in rodents and humans. Its inherent advantage is that it reveals the 3D structure in high resolution without destroying the sample. This permits both multiple scanning of the sample and follow-up histological investigations in the same sample. Nevertheless, the applicability of the approach is hampered both by the challenging segmentation of the vasculature and a lack of straightforward methodology to quantitate the feto-placental vascular network. This paper addresses these challenges. METHODS An end-to-end methodology is presented for automatically segmenting the vasculature; obtaining a Strahler-ordered rooted-tree representation and extracting quantitative features from its nodes, segments and branches (including volume, length, tortuosity and branching angles). The methodology is demonstrated for rat and mouse placentas at the end of gestation (day 22 and day 18, respectively), perfused with Microfil® and imaged using two different micro-CT scanners. RESULTS The 3D visualizations of the resulting vascular trees clearly demonstrate differences between the branching complexity, tree span and tree depth of the mouse and rat placentas. The quantitative characterizations of these trees include not only the fundamental features that have been utilized in other studies of feto-placental vasculature but also several additional features. Boxplots of several of these-tortuosity, number of side branches, number of offspring per branch and branch volume-computed at each Strahler order are presented and interpreted. Differences and similarities between the mouse and rat casts are readily detected. CONCLUSION The proposed end-to-end methodology, and the implementation presented using a combination of Amira and Matlab, offers researchers in the field of placental vasculature characterization a straightforward and objective approach for quantifying micro-CT vascular datasets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yutthapong Tongpob
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Hwy, Crawley, Perth, WA 6009, Australia; Faculty of Medical Science, Naresuan University, 99 Moo 9, Tapo, Muang, Phitsanulok 65000, Thailand.
| | - Shushan Xia
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 306, N Wright St, Urbana, IL 61801, USA; Centre for Microscopy, Characterisation and Analysis, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Hwy, Crawley, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Caitlin Wyrwoll
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Hwy, Crawley, Perth, WA 6009, Australia.
| | - Andrew Mehnert
- Centre for Microscopy, Characterisation and Analysis, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Hwy, Crawley, Perth, WA 6009, Australia; National Imaging Facility, Western Australian Node, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia.
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Micro-CT and histological investigation of the spatial pattern of feto-placental vascular density. Placenta 2019; 88:36-43. [PMID: 31670095 PMCID: PMC6892277 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2019.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2019] [Revised: 09/18/2019] [Accepted: 09/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Introduction There are considerable variations in villous morphology within a normal placenta. However, whether there is a reproducible spatial pattern of variation in villous vascular density is not known. Micro-CT provides three-dimensional volume imaging with spatial resolution down to the micrometre scale. In this study, we applied Micro-CT and histological analysis to investigate the degree of heterogeneity of vascularisation within the placenta. Method Ten term placentas were collected at elective caesarean section, perfused with contrast agent and imaged whole with Micro-CT. Eight full depth tissue blocks were then taken from each placenta and imaged. Sections were taken for histological analysis. Data was analysed to investigate vascular fill, and vascular density in relation to location from cord insertion to placental edge at each scale. Results Whole placental imaging revealed no spatially consistent difference in villous vessel density within the main placental tissue, although there was a great degree of heterogeneity. Both block imaging and histological analysis found a large degree of heterogeneity of vascular density within placentas, but no strong correlation between villous vascular density and block location (rs = 0.066, p = 0.7 block imaging, rs = 0.06, p = 0.6 histological analysis). Discussion This work presents a novel method for imaging the human placenta vascular tree using multiscale Micro-CT imaging. It demonstrates that there is a large degree of variation in vascular density throughout normal term human placentas. The three-dimensional data created by this technique could be used, with more advanced computer analysis, to further investigate the structure of the vascular tree. Micro-CT and histological investigation of vascular density in the placenta. There is a large degree of variation in vascular density throughout placentas. This imaging has potential for future spatial investigation of the 3D vascular tree.
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Carrillo M, Chuecos M, Gandhi K, Bednov A, Moore DL, Maher J, Ventolini G, Ji G, Schlabritz-Loutsevitch N. Optical tissue clearing in combination with perfusion and immunofluorescence for placental vascular imaging. Medicine (Baltimore) 2018; 97:e12392. [PMID: 30278515 PMCID: PMC6181621 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000012392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Imaging of placental tissues is a difficult task, because of specific for this organ complex multicellular and 3D tissue structure. The tissue clearing systems (X-CLARITY) system is a valuable tool for the examining the expression of molecular pathways in whole tissues and organs, originally developed for brain imaging.In the present report, we utilized this technology for the examination of placental vasculature and protein expression in perfused human placental tissue.The placental tissue was sufficiently cleared with preservation of endothelial staining and fluorescent markers, allowing visualization using confocal microscopy. The CLARITY method and X-CLARITY system is a valuable tool in placental imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maira Carrillo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center at the Permian Basin, Odessa
| | - Marcel Chuecos
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center at the Permian Basin, Odessa
| | - Kushal Gandhi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center at the Permian Basin, Odessa
| | - Andrey Bednov
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center at the Permian Basin, Odessa
- University of Texas of the Permian Basin
| | - David Lee Moore
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center at the Permian Basin, Odessa
| | - James Maher
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center at the Permian Basin, Odessa
- University of Texas of the Permian Basin
| | - Gary Ventolini
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center at the Permian Basin, Odessa
| | - Guangchen Ji
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Natalia Schlabritz-Loutsevitch
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center at the Permian Basin, Odessa
- University of Texas of the Permian Basin
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
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15
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Postpartum placental CT angiography in normal pregnancies and in those complicated by diabetes mellitus. Placenta 2018; 69:20-25. [PMID: 30213480 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2018.06.309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2018] [Revised: 06/11/2018] [Accepted: 06/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pregnancy complicated by diabetes mellitus (DM) is a central obstetric problem often complicated by fetal macrosomia and increased risk of intrapartum asphyxia. This risk might be explained by fetoplacental vascular abnormalities. This study aimed to investigate the fetoplacental vascular volume by placental CT angiography in normal pregnancies and in pregnancies complicated by type 1 DM (T1DM), diet controlled gestational DM (GDMd), and insulin treated gestational DM (GDMi). METHODS Postpartum, barium contrast enhanced placental CT angiography was performed in 27 normal pregnancies and 25 DM pregnancies (8 T1DM, 8 GDMd, and 9 GDMi). The fetoplacental vascular volume/placenta weight (FVV/PW)-ratio and fetoplacental vascular volume/birth weight (FVV/BW)-ratio of each diabetic group were compared to the normal group with multiple regression analysis adjusted for GA. In all pregnancies a standardized histopathological placental examination was performed postpartum. RESULTS In normal pregnancies, the fetoplacental vascular volume increased with GA (p < 0.001), placental weight (p < 0.001), and birth weight (p < 0.001). In T1DM and GDMi pregnancies, the gestational age adjusted placental weight and the birth weight were increased when compared to normal pregnancies (p < 0.05). The FVV/BW-ratio was significantly reduced in both T1DM and GDMi pregnancies when compared to normal pregnancies (p = 0.003 and p = 0.009, respectively). DISCUSSION This study demonstrates, that in insulin treated DM pregnancies the fetus as well as the placenta is larger than normal. However, despite a large placenta, a relatively smaller fetoplacental vascular volume supplies the macrosomic fetus. This finding might explain why fetuses from insulin treated DM pregnancies have high vulnerability to intrauterine and intrapartum asphyxia.
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Shelmerdine SC, Simcock IC, Hutchinson JC, Aughwane R, Melbourne A, Nikitichev DI, Ong JL, Borghi A, Cole G, Kingham E, Calder AD, Capelli C, Akhtar A, Cook AC, Schievano S, David A, Ourselin S, Sebire NJ, Arthurs OJ. 3D printing from microfocus computed tomography (micro-CT) in human specimens: education and future implications. Br J Radiol 2018; 91:20180306. [PMID: 29698059 DOI: 10.1259/bjr.20180306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Microfocus CT (micro-CT) is an imaging method that provides three-dimensional digital data sets with comparable resolution to light microscopy. Although it has traditionally been used for non-destructive testing in engineering, aerospace industries and in preclinical animal studies, new applications are rapidly becoming available in the clinical setting including post-mortem fetal imaging and pathological specimen analysis. Printing three-dimensional models from imaging data sets for educational purposes is well established in the medical literature, but typically using low resolution (0.7 mm voxel size) data acquired from CT or MR examinations. With higher resolution imaging (voxel sizes below 1 micron, <0.001 mm) at micro-CT, smaller structures can be better characterised, and data sets post-processed to create accurate anatomical models for review and handling. In this review, we provide examples of how three-dimensional printing of micro-CT imaged specimens can provide insight into craniofacial surgical applications, developmental cardiac anatomy, placental imaging, archaeological remains and high-resolution bone imaging. We conclude with other potential future usages of this emerging technique.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan C Shelmerdine
- 1 UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health , London , UK.,2 Department of Radiology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust , London , UK
| | - Ian C Simcock
- 1 UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health , London , UK.,2 Department of Radiology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust , London , UK
| | - John Ciaran Hutchinson
- 1 UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health , London , UK.,3 Department of Histopathology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust , London , UK
| | - Rosalind Aughwane
- 4 Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, Translational Imaging Group, University College London , London , UK
| | - Andrew Melbourne
- 4 Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, Translational Imaging Group, University College London , London , UK
| | - Daniil I Nikitichev
- 4 Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, Translational Imaging Group, University College London , London , UK.,5 Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London , London , UK
| | - Ju-Ling Ong
- 6 Craniofacial Unit, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust , London , UK
| | | | | | - Emilia Kingham
- 8 UCL Culture, Bidborough House, 38-50 Bidborough Street, London UK
| | - Alistair D Calder
- 2 Department of Radiology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust , London , UK
| | - Claudio Capelli
- 9 Cardiorespiratory Division, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London UK.,10 Institute of Cardiovascular Science, University College London , London , UK
| | - Aadam Akhtar
- 10 Institute of Cardiovascular Science, University College London , London , UK
| | - Andrew C Cook
- 10 Institute of Cardiovascular Science, University College London , London , UK
| | - Silvia Schievano
- 1 UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health , London , UK.,9 Cardiorespiratory Division, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London UK.,10 Institute of Cardiovascular Science, University College London , London , UK
| | - Anna David
- 11 Institute for Women's Health, University College London , London , UK
| | - Sebastian Ourselin
- 4 Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, Translational Imaging Group, University College London , London , UK
| | - Neil J Sebire
- 1 UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health , London , UK.,3 Department of Histopathology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust , London , UK
| | - Owen J Arthurs
- 1 UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health , London , UK.,2 Department of Radiology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust , London , UK
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