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Al Darwish FM, Coolen BF, van Kammen CM, Alles LK, de Vos J, Schiffelers RM, Lely TA, Strijkers GJ, Terstappen F. Assessment of feto-placental oxygenation and perfusion in a rat model of placental insufficiency using T2* mapping and 3D dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI. Placenta 2024; 151:19-25. [PMID: 38657321 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2024.04.008] [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] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Placental insufficiency may lead to preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction. There is no cure for placental insufficiency, emphasizing the need for monitoring fetal and placenta health. Current monitoring methods are limited, underscoring the necessity for imaging techniques to evaluate fetal-placental perfusion and oxygenation. This study aims to use MRI to evaluate placental oxygenation and perfusion in the reduced uterine perfusion pressure (RUPP) model of placental insufficiency. METHODS Pregnant rats were randomized to RUPP (n = 11) or sham surgery (n = 8) on gestational day 14. On gestational day 19, rats imaged using a 7T MRI scanner to assess oxygenation and perfusion using T2* mapping and 3D-DCE MRI sequences, respectively. The effect of the RUPP on the feto-placental units were analyzed from the MRI images. RESULTS RUPP surgery led to reduced oxygenation in the labyrinth (24.7 ± 1.8 ms vs. 28.0 ± 2.1 ms, P = 0.002) and junctional zone (7.0 ± 0.9 ms vs. 8.1 ± 1.1 ms, P = 0.04) of the placenta, as indicated by decreased T2* values. However, here were no significant differences in fetal organ oxygenation or placental perfusion between RUPP and sham animals. DISCUSSION The reduced placental oxygenation without a corresponding decrease in perfusion suggests an adaptive response to placental ischemia. While acute reduction in placental perfusion may cause placental hypoxia, persistence of this condition could indicate chronic placental insufficiency after ischemic reperfusion injury. Thus, placental oxygenation may be a more reliable biomarker for assessing fetal condition than perfusion in hypertensive disorders of pregnancies including preeclampsia and FGR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatimah M Al Darwish
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Physics, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, 1105, AZ, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
| | - Bram F Coolen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Physics, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, 1105, AZ, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
| | - Caren M van Kammen
- Department of Obstetrics, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, 3584, EA, Utrecht, Netherlands; Department of CDL Research, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, 3584, EA, Utrecht, Netherlands.
| | - Lindy K Alles
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Physics, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, 1105, AZ, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
| | - Judith de Vos
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Physics, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, 1105, AZ, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
| | - Raymond M Schiffelers
- Department of CDL Research, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, 3584, EA, Utrecht, Netherlands.
| | - Titia A Lely
- Department of Obstetrics, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, 3584, EA, Utrecht, Netherlands.
| | - Gustav J Strijkers
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Physics, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, 1105, AZ, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
| | - Fieke Terstappen
- Department of Obstetrics, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, 3584, EA, Utrecht, Netherlands.
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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: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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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Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced MRI in the Abdomen of Mice with High Temporal and Spatial Resolution Using Stack-of-Stars Sampling and KWIC Reconstruction. Tomography 2022; 8:2113-2128. [PMID: 36136874 PMCID: PMC9498490 DOI: 10.3390/tomography8050178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Application of quantitative dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) MRI in mouse models of abdominal cancer is challenging due to the effects of RF inhomogeneity, image corruption from rapid respiratory motion and the need for high spatial and temporal resolutions. Here we demonstrate a DCE protocol optimized for such applications. The method consists of three acquisitions: (1) actual flip-angle B1 mapping, (2) variable flip-angle T1 mapping and (3) acquisition of the DCE series using a motion-robust radial strategy with k-space weighted image contrast (KWIC) reconstruction. All three acquisitions employ spoiled radial imaging with stack-of-stars sampling (SoS) and golden-angle increments between the views. This scheme is shown to minimize artifacts due to respiratory motion while simultaneously facilitating view-sharing image reconstruction for the dynamic series. The method is demonstrated in a genetically engineered mouse model of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and yielded mean perfusion parameters of Ktrans = 0.23 ± 0.14 min−1 and ve = 0.31 ± 0.17 (n = 22) over a wide range of tumor sizes. The SoS-sampled DCE method is shown to produce artifact-free images with good SNR leading to robust estimation of DCE parameters.
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Deloison B, Arthuis C, Benchimol G, Balvay D, Bussieres L, Millischer AE, Grévent D, Butor C, Chalouhi G, Mahallati H, Hélénon O, Tavitian B, Clement O, Ville Y, Siauve N, Salomon LJ. Human placental perfusion measured using dynamic contrast enhancement MRI. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0256769. [PMID: 34473740 PMCID: PMC8412340 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0256769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives To evaluate the feasibility of dynamic contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE MRI) and measure values of in vivo placental perfusion in women. Methods This study was part of the Placentimage trial (NCT01092949). Gadolinium-chelate (Gd) enhanced dynamic MRI was performed two days before termination of pregnancies at 16 to 34 weeks gestational age (GA). Quantitative analysis was performed using one-compartment intravascular modeling. DCE perfusion parameters were analyzed across GA and were compared in IUGR and AGA fetuses. Results 134 patients were enrolled. After quality control check, 62 DCE MRI were analyzed including 48 and 14 pregnancies with normal and abnormal karyotypes, respectively. Mean placental blood flow was 129±61 mL/min/100ml in cases with normal karyotypes. Fetuses affected by IUGR (n = 13) showed significantly lower total placental blood flow values than AGA fetuses (n = 35) (F total = 122±88 mL/min versus 259±34 mL/min, p = 0.002). DCE perfusion parameters showed a linear correlation with GA. Conclusions Measuring placental perfusion in vivo is possible using DCE MRI. Although this study has many limitations it gives us the first DCE MRI values that provide a potential standard for future research into placental perfusion methods and suggests that placental functional parameters are altered in IUGR pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Deloison
- Service de Gynécologie-Obstétrique, Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Paris, France
- EA fetus 7328 and LUMIERE platform, Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
- INSERM, U970, Paris Cardiovascular Research Center–PARCC, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Chloé Arthuis
- Service de Gynécologie-Obstétrique, Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Paris, France
- EA fetus 7328 and LUMIERE platform, Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
- Service de Gynécologie-Obstétrique, Hôpital mère-enfant, CHU Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Gabriel Benchimol
- Service de Gynécologie-Obstétrique, Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Paris, France
- EA fetus 7328 and LUMIERE platform, Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
- INSERM, U970, Paris Cardiovascular Research Center–PARCC, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Daniel Balvay
- INSERM, U970, Paris Cardiovascular Research Center–PARCC, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Laurence Bussieres
- Service de Gynécologie-Obstétrique, Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Paris, France
- EA fetus 7328 and LUMIERE platform, Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | - Anne-Elodie Millischer
- Service de Radiologie, Hôpital Necker Enfants Malades, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (APHP), Paris, France
| | - David Grévent
- EA fetus 7328 and LUMIERE platform, Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
- Service de Radiologie, Hôpital Necker Enfants Malades, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (APHP), Paris, France
| | - Cécile Butor
- EA fetus 7328 and LUMIERE platform, Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | - Gihad Chalouhi
- Service de Gynécologie-Obstétrique, Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Paris, France
- INSERM, U970, Paris Cardiovascular Research Center–PARCC, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Houman Mahallati
- Service de Gynécologie-Obstétrique, Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Paris, France
- EA fetus 7328 and LUMIERE platform, Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | - Olivier Hélénon
- Service de Radiologie, Hôpital Necker Enfants Malades, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (APHP), Paris, France
| | - Bertrand Tavitian
- INSERM, U970, Paris Cardiovascular Research Center–PARCC, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Olivier Clement
- INSERM, U970, Paris Cardiovascular Research Center–PARCC, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Yves Ville
- Service de Gynécologie-Obstétrique, Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Paris, France
- EA fetus 7328 and LUMIERE platform, Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | - Nathalie Siauve
- EA fetus 7328 and LUMIERE platform, Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
- INSERM, U970, Paris Cardiovascular Research Center–PARCC, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
- Service de Radiologie, Hôpital Louis Mourier, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (APHP), Colombes, France
| | - Laurent Julien Salomon
- Service de Gynécologie-Obstétrique, Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Paris, France
- EA fetus 7328 and LUMIERE platform, Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
- INSERM, U970, Paris Cardiovascular Research Center–PARCC, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
- * E-mail:
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On the use of multicompartment models of diffusion and relaxation for placental imaging. Placenta 2021; 112:197-203. [PMID: 34392172 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2021.07.302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Multi-compartment models of diffusion and relaxation are ubiquitous in magnetic resonance research especially applied to neuroimaging applications. These models are increasingly making their way into the world of placental imaging. This review provides a framework for their motivation and implementation and describes some of the outstanding questions that need to be answered before they can be routinely adopted.
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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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Ludwig KD, Fain SB, Nguyen SM, Golos TG, Reeder SB, Bird IM, Shah DM, Wieben OE, Johnson KM. Perfusion of the placenta assessed using arterial spin labeling and ferumoxytol dynamic contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging in the rhesus macaque. Magn Reson Med 2019; 81:1964-1978. [PMID: 30357902 PMCID: PMC6715150 DOI: 10.1002/mrm.27548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2018] [Revised: 08/29/2018] [Accepted: 09/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the correspondence between arterial spin labeling (ASL) flow-sensitive alternating inversion recovery (FAIR) and ferumoxytol DCE MRI for the assessment of placental intervillous perfusion. METHODS Ten pregnant macaques in late second trimester were imaged at 3 T using a 2D ASL FAIR, with and without outer-volume saturation pulses used to control the bolus width, and a 3D ferumoxytol DCE-MRI acquisition. The ASL tagged/control pairs were averaged, subtracted, and normalized to create perfusion ratio maps. Contrast arrival time and uptake slope were estimated by fitting the DCE data to a sigmoid function. Macaques (N = 4) received interleukin-1β to induce inflammation and disrupt perfusion. RESULTS The FAIR tag modification with outer-volume saturation reduced the median ASL ratio percentage compared with conventional FAIR (0.64% ± 1.42% versus 0.71% ± 2.00%; P < .05). Extended ferumoxytol arrival times (34 ± 25 seconds) were observed across the placenta. No significant DCE signal change was measured in fetal tissue ( - 0.6% ± 3.0%; P = .52) or amniotic fluid (1.9% ± 8.8%; P = .59). High ASL ratio was significantly correlated with early arrival time and high uptake slope (P < .05), but ASL signal was not above noise in late-DCE-enhancing regions. No significant differences were observed in perfusion measurements between the interleukin-1β and controls (P > .05). CONCLUSION The ASL-FAIR and ferumoxytol DCE-MRI methods are feasible to detect early blood delivery to the macaque placenta. Outer volume saturation reduced the high macrovascular ASL signal. Interleukin-1β exposure did not alter placental intervillous perfusion. An endogenous-labeling perfusion technique is limited due to extended transit times for flow within the placenta beyond the immediate vicinity of the maternal spiral arteries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai D. Ludwig
- Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin, 1111 Highland Ave, Madison, Madison, WI, USA 53705
| | - Sean B. Fain
- Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin, 1111 Highland Ave, Madison, Madison, WI, USA 53705
- Radiology, University of Wisconsin, 600 Highland Ave, Madison, Madison, WI, USA 53792
- Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin, 1415 Engineering Dr, Madison, Madison, WI, USA 53706
| | - Sydney M. Nguyen
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, 1220 Capitol Court, Madison, WI, USA 53715
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin, 600 Highland Ave, Madison, WI, USA 53792
| | - Thaddeus G. Golos
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, 1220 Capitol Court, Madison, WI, USA 53715
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin, 600 Highland Ave, Madison, WI, USA 53792
- Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin, 2015 Linden Dr, Madison, Madison, WI, USA 53706
| | - Scott B. Reeder
- Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin, 1111 Highland Ave, Madison, Madison, WI, USA 53705
- Radiology, University of Wisconsin, 600 Highland Ave, Madison, Madison, WI, USA 53792
- Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin, 1415 Engineering Dr, Madison, Madison, WI, USA 53706
- Medicine, University of Wisconsin, 600 Highland Ave, Madison, Madison, WI, USA 53792
- Emergency Medicine, University of Wisconsin, 600 Highland Ave, Madison, Madison, WI, USA 53792
| | - Ian M. Bird
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin, 600 Highland Ave, Madison, WI, USA 53792
| | - Dinesh M. Shah
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin, 600 Highland Ave, Madison, WI, USA 53792
| | - Oliver E. Wieben
- Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin, 1111 Highland Ave, Madison, Madison, WI, USA 53705
- Radiology, University of Wisconsin, 600 Highland Ave, Madison, Madison, WI, USA 53792
| | - Kevin M. Johnson
- Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin, 1111 Highland Ave, Madison, Madison, WI, USA 53705
- Radiology, University of Wisconsin, 600 Highland Ave, Madison, Madison, WI, USA 53792
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Non-invasive assessment of placental perfusion in vivo using arterial spin labeling (ASL) MRI: A preclinical study in rats. Placenta 2019; 77:39-45. [PMID: 30827354 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2019.01.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2018] [Revised: 01/13/2019] [Accepted: 01/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Non-invasive assessment of placental perfusion is of great interest to characterize placental function in clinical practice. This article proposes a strictly non-invasive MRI technique using ASL to quantify placental blood flow in vivo. The aim of this study was to develop a fMRI tool to quantify placental blood flow (PBF) in rat, by using arterial spin labeling (ASL) MRI at 4.7 T. MATERIALS AND METHODS MRI was performed with a dedicated magnet for small animals, in pregnant rats on day 20 of the 22-day gestation period. A Look-Locker flow-sensitive alternating inversion recovery gradient echo sequence was developed as ASL technique (TE: 1.55 ms; TR: 3.5 ms, TI: 56 ms, deltaTI: 56 ms, FA: 20°, Matrix: 128 × 128, 8 segments, 4 Nex). Labeling was performed with global and slice-selective inversions, and T1 map was obtained for each mode of inversion. PBF was then derived from a compartmental model of the variation of T1 between global and slice-selective inversions. RESULTS The full protocol was completed and ASL image post-processing was successful in 18 rats. Forty-seven placentas were analyzed, with a mean PBF of 147 ± 70 ml/min/100 g of placenta, consistent with published values of placental perfusion using invasive techniques. CONCLUSION ASL MRI is feasible for the quantification of PBF in rats at 4.7 T. This technique, which requires no administration of contrast media, could have implications for non-invasive longitudinal and in vivo animal studies and may be useful for the management of human pregnancies.
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Arthuis CJ, Mendes V, Même S, Même W, Rousselot C, Winer N, Novell A, Perrotin F. Comparative determination of placental perfusion by magnetic resonance imaging and contrast-enhanced ultrasound in a murine model of intrauterine growth restriction. Placenta 2018; 69:74-81. [PMID: 30213488 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2018.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2018] [Revised: 07/16/2018] [Accepted: 07/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Exploration of placental perfusion is essential in screening for dysfunctions impairing fetal growth. The objective of this study was to assess the potential value of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for examining placental perfusion in a murine model of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). We also studied the reproducibility of perfusion quantification by CEUS. METHODS Pregnant Sprague Dawley rat models of IUGR were studied during the third trimester. Unilateral uterine artery ligation induced IUGR. Placental perfusion was evaluated by CEUS and perfusion MRI with gadolinium for both ligated and control fetoplacental units. The kinetic parameters of the two imaging modalities were then compared. RESULTS The analysis included 20 rats. The study showed good reproducibility of the CEUS indicators. The CEUS perfusion index approximated the blood flow rate and was halved in the ligation group (27.9 [u.a] (±14.8)) versus 61 [u.a] (±22.3) on the control side (P = 0.0003). MRI with gadolinium injection showed a clear reduction in the blood flow rate to 51.2 mL/min/100 mL (IQR 34.9-54.9) in the ligated horn, compared with 90.9 mL/min/100 mL (IQR 85.1-95.7) for the control side (P < 0.0001). The semiquantitative indicators obtained from the kinetic curves for both CEUS and MRI showed similar trends. Nonetheless, values were more widely dispersed with CEUS than MRI. DISCUSSION The similar results for the quantification of placental perfusion by MRI and CEUS reinforce the likelihood that CEUS can be used to identify IUGR in a murine model induced by uterine vessel ligation.
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Affiliation(s)
- C-J Arthuis
- UMR Inserm U930, University of Tours, 10 bd ter Tonnellé, 37032, Tours Cedex 1, France; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Regional Center Tours, 10bd Tonnellé, 37044, Tours, France; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital of Nantes, CIC Mère Enfant Nantes, UMR 1280, INRA Phan Physiologie des Adaptations Nutritionnelles, France.
| | - V Mendes
- UMR Inserm U930, University of Tours, 10 bd ter Tonnellé, 37032, Tours Cedex 1, France; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Regional Center Tours, 10bd Tonnellé, 37044, Tours, France
| | - S Même
- CNRS, Center of Molecular Biophysics, Rue Charles Sadron, 45071, Orléans Cedex, France
| | - W Même
- CNRS, Center of Molecular Biophysics, Rue Charles Sadron, 45071, Orléans Cedex, France
| | - C Rousselot
- Department of Anatomy, Cytology and Pathology, University Hospital Regional Center Tours, 10 bd Tonnellé, 37044, Tours, France
| | - N Winer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital of Nantes, CIC Mère Enfant Nantes, UMR 1280, INRA Phan Physiologie des Adaptations Nutritionnelles, France
| | - A Novell
- UMR Inserm U930, University of Tours, 10 bd ter Tonnellé, 37032, Tours Cedex 1, France
| | - F Perrotin
- UMR Inserm U930, University of Tours, 10 bd ter Tonnellé, 37032, Tours Cedex 1, France; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Regional Center Tours, 10bd Tonnellé, 37044, Tours, France
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Lémery Magnin M, Fitoussi V, Siauve N, Pidial L, Balvay D, Autret G, Cuenod CA, Clément O, Salomon LJ. Assessment of Placental Perfusion in the Preeclampsia L-NAME Rat Model with High-Field Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced MRI. Fetal Diagn Ther 2018; 44:277-284. [PMID: 29689556 DOI: 10.1159/000484314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2017] [Accepted: 10/14/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate placental function and perfusion in a rat model of preeclampsia infused with L-nitro-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) by dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) MRI using gadolinium chelates. METHODS Pregnant female Sprague-Dawley rats were fitted on embryonic day 16 (E16) with subcutaneous osmotic minipumps loaded to deliver, continuously, L-NAME (50 mg/day per rat; case group) or saline solution (control group). DCE MRI was performed on E19 using gadolinium chelates and a 4.7-T MRI apparatus for small animals. Quantitative analysis was performed using an image software program: placental blood flow (perfusion in mL/min/100 mL of placenta) and fractional volume of the maternal vascular placental compartment (ratio between the placental blood volume and the placental volume, Vb in %) were calculated by compartmental analysis. RESULTS A total of 176 placentas (27 rats) were analyzed by DCE MRI (97 cases and 79 controls). The model was effective, inducing intrauterine growth retardation, as there was a significant difference between the two groups for placental weight (p < 0.01), fetal weight (p = 0.019), and fetal length (p < 0.01). There was no significant difference in placental perfusion between the L-NAME and control groups (140.1 ± 74.1 vs. 148.9 ± 97.4, respectively; p = 0.496). There was a significant difference between the L-NAME and control groups for Vb (53 ± 12.9 vs. 46.7 ± 9%, respectively; p < 0.01). CONCLUSION In the L-NAME preeclampsia model, placental perfusion is normal and the fractional blood volume is increased, suggesting that preeclampsia is not always expressed as a result of decreased placental perfusion. This highlights the usefulness of MRI for investigating the physiopathology of preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Daniel Balvay
- Small Animal Imaging Platform, Faculté de Médecine, Université Paris Descartes Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Gwennhael Autret
- Small Animal Imaging Platform, Faculté de Médecine, Université Paris Descartes Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | | | | | - Laurent Julien Salomon
- INSERM UMR 970, PARCC-HEGP, Paris, .,Gynécologie Obstétrique, Hôpital Necker Enfants Malades, AP-HP, Faculté de Médecine, Université Paris Descartes Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, .,EHU Fetus and Lumière Platform, Université Paris Descartes, Paris,
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Siauve N, Hayot PH, Deloison B, Chalouhi GE, Alison M, Balvay D, Bussières L, Clément O, Salomon LJ. Assessment of human placental perfusion by intravoxel incoherent motion MR imaging. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2017; 32:293-300. [PMID: 28974131 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2017.1378334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To provide functional information on the human placenta, including perfusion, and diffusion, with no contrast agent injection, and to study correlations between intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) placental parameters and fetal growth. MATERIALS AND METHODS MRI was performed in women undergoing legal termination of pregnancy at 17-34 weeks, including a 4-b-value and 11-b-value DW sequences. The apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), the restricted diffusion coefficient (D), the pseudoperfusion coefficient (D*), and the perfusion fraction (f) were calculated. Their relationships with gestational age, Z-scores for fetal and placental weight were evaluated by means of regression analysis. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the ability of IVIM parameters to predict/detect intrauterine growth retardation (SGA). RESULTS Fifty-five pregnant women, including nine cases of SGA (16%), were included in the study. The ADC (n = 55) showed a quadratic correlation with gestational age (p < .001) and a linear correlation with the fetal weight Z-score (p = .02). Mean ADC values were significantly different between normally growing and SGA fetuses (2.37 ± 0.25 versus 2.29 ± 0.33 10-3.mm2.s-1, p=.048). The perfusion fraction f (n = 23) showed a quadratic correlation with gestational age (p = .017) and a linear correlation with the fetal weight Z - score (p = .008). Mean f values differed significantly between normally growing and SGA fetuses (42.55 ± 9.30% versus 27.94 ± 8.76%, p = .002). The receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve for f to predict SGA was produced (area under the ROC curve = 0.9). CONCLUSIONS The observed association between f and fetal weight suggests that fMRI could be suitable for studying placental insufficiency and for identifying risk of SGA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Siauve
- a INSERM, U970 , Paris Cardiovascular Research Center - PARCC, Sorbonne Paris Cite , Paris , France.,b EA Fetus & Lumiere Platform , Université Paris Descartes , Paris , France.,c Assistance Publique: Hôpitaux de Paris , Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou , Paris , France
| | - Pierre Humbert Hayot
- a INSERM, U970 , Paris Cardiovascular Research Center - PARCC, Sorbonne Paris Cite , Paris , France.,b EA Fetus & Lumiere Platform , Université Paris Descartes , Paris , France.,d Assistance Publique: Hôpitaux de Paris , Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades , Paris , France
| | - Benjamin Deloison
- a INSERM, U970 , Paris Cardiovascular Research Center - PARCC, Sorbonne Paris Cite , Paris , France.,b EA Fetus & Lumiere Platform , Université Paris Descartes , Paris , France.,d Assistance Publique: Hôpitaux de Paris , Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades , Paris , France
| | - Gihad E Chalouhi
- a INSERM, U970 , Paris Cardiovascular Research Center - PARCC, Sorbonne Paris Cite , Paris , France.,b EA Fetus & Lumiere Platform , Université Paris Descartes , Paris , France.,d Assistance Publique: Hôpitaux de Paris , Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades , Paris , France
| | - Marianne Alison
- a INSERM, U970 , Paris Cardiovascular Research Center - PARCC, Sorbonne Paris Cite , Paris , France
| | - Daniel Balvay
- a INSERM, U970 , Paris Cardiovascular Research Center - PARCC, Sorbonne Paris Cite , Paris , France.,e Plateforme d'Imagerie du Vivant , Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité , Paris , France
| | - Laurence Bussières
- a INSERM, U970 , Paris Cardiovascular Research Center - PARCC, Sorbonne Paris Cite , Paris , France.,b EA Fetus & Lumiere Platform , Université Paris Descartes , Paris , France.,d Assistance Publique: Hôpitaux de Paris , Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades , Paris , France
| | - Olivier Clément
- a INSERM, U970 , Paris Cardiovascular Research Center - PARCC, Sorbonne Paris Cite , Paris , France
| | - Laurent J Salomon
- a INSERM, U970 , Paris Cardiovascular Research Center - PARCC, Sorbonne Paris Cite , Paris , France.,b EA Fetus & Lumiere Platform , Université Paris Descartes , Paris , France.,d Assistance Publique: Hôpitaux de Paris , Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades , Paris , France
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Yadav BK, Neelavalli J, Krishnamurthy U, Szalai G, Shen Y, Nayak NR, Chaiworapongsa T, Hernandez-Andrade E, Than NG, Haacke EM, Romero R. A longitudinal study of placental perfusion using dynamic contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging in murine pregnancy. Placenta 2016; 43:90-7. [PMID: 26947613 PMCID: PMC5704953 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2015.12.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2015] [Revised: 12/18/2015] [Accepted: 12/31/2015] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION To evaluate changes in placental perfusion with advancing gestation in normal murine pregnancy using dynamic contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI). METHODS Seven timed-pregnant CD-1 mice underwent DCE-MRI scanning longitudinally on gestational days (GD) 13, 15 and 17. Placentas were segmented into high (HPZ) and low perfusion zones (LPZ) using tissue similarity mapping. Blood perfusion of the respective regions and the whole placenta was quantified using the steepest slope method. The diameter of the maternal central canal (CC) was also measured. RESULTS An increase in perfusion was observed between GD13 and GD17 in the overall placenta (p = 0.04) and in the HPZ (p = 0.02). Although perfusion in the LPZ showed a slight increasing trend, it was not significant (p = 0.07). Perfusion, in units of ml/min/100 ml, in the overall placenta and the HPZ was respectively 61.2 ± 31.2 and 106.2 ± 56.3 at GD13 (n = 19 placentas); 90.3 ± 43.7 and 139 ± 55.4 at GD15 (n = 20); and 104.9 ± 76.1 and 172.2 ± 85.6 at GD17 (n = 14). The size of the CC increased with advancing gestation (p < 0.05). DISCUSSION Using longitudinal DCE-MRI, the gestational age-dependent perfusion change in the normal murine placenta and in its regional compartments was quantified. In mid and late gestations, placental constituent regions differ significantly in their perfusion rates. The CC diameter also showed increase with advancing gestation, which may be playing an important role toward the gestational age-dependent increase in placental perfusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brijesh Kumar Yadav
- Department of Radiology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Wayne State University College of Engineering, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Jaladhar Neelavalli
- Department of Radiology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Wayne State University College of Engineering, Detroit, MI, USA.
| | - Uday Krishnamurthy
- Department of Radiology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Wayne State University College of Engineering, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Gabor Szalai
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Yimin Shen
- Department of Radiology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Nihar R Nayak
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Tinnakorn Chaiworapongsa
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Edgar Hernandez-Andrade
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Nandor Gabor Than
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA; Lendulet Reproduction Research Group, Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - E Mark Haacke
- Department of Radiology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Wayne State University College of Engineering, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Roberto Romero
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA; Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
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13
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Shetty AN, Pautler R, Ghaghada K, Rendon D, Gao H, Starosolski Z, Bhavane R, Patel C, Annapragada A, Yallampalli C, Lee W. A liposomal Gd contrast agent does not cross the mouse placental barrier. Sci Rep 2016; 6:27863. [PMID: 27298076 PMCID: PMC4906290 DOI: 10.1038/srep27863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2016] [Accepted: 05/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The trans-placental permeability of liposomal Gadolinium (Gd) nanoparticle contrast agents was evaluated in a pregnant mouse model. Pregnant Balb/c mice at 16.5 (±1) days of gestation were imaged using a 3D Spoiled Gradient Echo method at 9.4 T using two contrast agents: a clinically approved Gd chelate, Multihance® (gadobenate dimeglumine), and a novel experimental liposomal Gd agent. A Dynamic Contrast Enhancement (DCE) protocol was used to capture the dynamics of contrast entry and distribution in the placenta, and clearance from circulation. A blinded clinical radiologist evaluated both sets of images. A reference region model was used to measure the placental flow and physiological parameters; volume transfer constant (Ktrans), efflux rate constant (Kep). The Gd content of excised placentae and fetuses was measured, using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). MRI images of pregnant mice and ICP-MS analyses of placental and fetal tissue demonstrated undetectably low transplacental permeation of the liposomal Gd agent, while the clinical agent (Multihance) avidly permeated the placental barrier. Image interpretation and diagnostic quality was equivalent between the two contrast agents. Additional testing to determine both maternal and fetal safety of liposomal Gd is suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anil N Shetty
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Texas Childrens Hospital, 6621 Fannin Street, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Robia Pautler
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Ketan Ghaghada
- Department of Pediatric Radiology, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas
| | - David Rendon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Texas Childrens Hospital, 6621 Fannin Street, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Haijun Gao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Texas Childrens Hospital, 6621 Fannin Street, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | | | - Rohan Bhavane
- Department of Pediatric Radiology, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas
| | | | - Ananth Annapragada
- Department of Pediatric Radiology, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas
| | - Chandrasekhar Yallampalli
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Texas Childrens Hospital, 6621 Fannin Street, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Wesley Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Texas Childrens Hospital, 6621 Fannin Street, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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14
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Siauve N, Chalouhi GE, Deloison B, Alison M, Clement O, Ville Y, Salomon LJ. Functional imaging of the human placenta with magnetic resonance. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2015; 213:S103-14. [PMID: 26428488 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2015.06.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2015] [Revised: 06/15/2015] [Accepted: 06/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Abnormal placentation is responsible for most failures in pregnancy; however, an understanding of placental functions remains largely concealed from noninvasive, in vivo investigations. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is safe in pregnancy for magnetic fields of up to 3 Tesla and is being used increasingly to improve the accuracy of prenatal imaging. Functional MRI (fMRI) of the placenta has not yet been validated in a clinical setting, and most data are derived from animal studies. FMRI could be used to further explore placental functions that are related to vascularization, oxygenation, and metabolism in human pregnancies by the use of various enhancement processes. Dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI is best able to quantify placental perfusion, permeability, and blood volume fractions. However, the transplacental passage of Gadolinium-based contrast agents represents a significant safety concern for this procedure in humans. There are alternative contrast agents that may be safer in pregnancy or that do not cross the placenta. Arterial spin labeling MRI relies on magnetically labeled water to quantify the blood flows within the placenta. A disadvantage of this technique is a poorer signal-to-noise ratio. Based on arterial spin labeling, placental perfusion in normal pregnancy is 176 ± 91 mL × min(-1) × 100 g(-1) and decreases in cases with intrauterine growth restriction. Blood oxygen level-dependent and oxygen-enhanced MRIs do not assess perfusion but measure the response of the placenta to changes in oxygen levels with the use of hemoglobin as an endogenous contrast agent. Diffusion-weighted imaging and intravoxel incoherent motion MRI do not require exogenous contrast agents, instead they use the movement of water molecules within tissues. The apparent diffusion coefficient and perfusion fraction are significantly lower in placentas of growth-restricted fetuses when compared with normal pregnancies. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy has the ability to extract information regarding metabolites from the placenta noninvasively and in vivo. There are marked differences in all 3 metabolites N-acetyl aspartate/choline levels, inositol/choline ratio between small, and adequately grown fetuses. Current research is focused on the ability of each fMRI technique to make a timely diagnosis of abnormal placentation that would allow for appropriate planning of follow-up examinations and optimal scheduling of delivery. These research programs will benefit from the use of well-defined sequences, standardized imaging protocols, and robust computational methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Siauve
- INSERM, U970, Sorbonne Paris Cite, Paris Cardiovascular Research Center-PARCC, Paris, France; EA FETUS and LUMIERE Unit, Université Paris-Descartes, Paris, France; Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, Paris, France
| | - Gihad E Chalouhi
- INSERM, U970, Sorbonne Paris Cite, Paris Cardiovascular Research Center-PARCC, Paris, France; EA FETUS and LUMIERE Unit, Université Paris-Descartes, Paris, France; Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades, Paris, France
| | - Benjamin Deloison
- INSERM, U970, Sorbonne Paris Cite, Paris Cardiovascular Research Center-PARCC, Paris, France; EA FETUS and LUMIERE Unit, Université Paris-Descartes, Paris, France; Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades, Paris, France
| | - Marianne Alison
- INSERM, U970, Sorbonne Paris Cite, Paris Cardiovascular Research Center-PARCC, Paris, France
| | - Olivier Clement
- INSERM, U970, Sorbonne Paris Cite, Paris Cardiovascular Research Center-PARCC, Paris, France; Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, Paris, France
| | - Yves Ville
- EA FETUS and LUMIERE Unit, Université Paris-Descartes, Paris, France; Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades, Paris, France
| | - Laurent J Salomon
- INSERM, U970, Sorbonne Paris Cite, Paris Cardiovascular Research Center-PARCC, Paris, France; EA FETUS and LUMIERE Unit, Université Paris-Descartes, Paris, France; Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades, Paris, France.
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15
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Quibel T, Deloison B, Chammings F, Chalouhi GE, Siauve N, Alison M, Bessières B, Gennisson JL, Clément O, Salomon LJ. Placental elastography in a murine intrauterine growth restriction model. Prenat Diagn 2015; 35:1106-11. [PMID: 26193351 DOI: 10.1002/pd.4654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2015] [Revised: 06/30/2015] [Accepted: 07/01/2015] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare placental elasticity in normal versus intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) murine pregnancies using shear wave elastography (SWE). METHODS Intrauterine growth restriction was created by ligation of the left uterine artery of Sprague-Dawley rats on E17. Ultrasonography (US) and elastography were performed 2 days later on exteriorized horns after laparotomy. Biparietal diameter (BPD) and abdominal diameter (AD) were measured and compared in each horn. Placental elasticity of each placenta was compared in the right and left horns, respectively, using the Young's modulus, which increases with increasing stiffness of the tissue. RESULTS Two hundred seventeen feto-placental units from 18 rats were included. Fetuses in the left ligated horn had smaller biometric measurements than those in the right horn (6.7 vs 7.2 mm, p < 0.001, and 9.2 vs 11.2 mm, p < 0.001 for BPD and AD, respectively). Mean fetal weight was lower in the pups from the left than the right horn (1.65 vs 2.11 g; p < 0.001). Mean (SD) Young's modulus was higher for placentas from the left than the right horn (11.7 ± 1.5 kPa vs 8.01 ± 3.8 kPa, respectively; p < 0.001), indicating increased stiffness in placentas from the left than the right horn. There was an inverse relationship between fetal weight and placental elasticity (r = 0.42; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION Shear wave elastography may be used to provide quantitative elasticity measurements of the placenta. In our model, placentas from IUGR fetuses demonstrated greater stiffness, which correlated with the degree of fetal growth restriction.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Quibel
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, CHI Poissy Saint Germain, 10 rue Champ, Gaillard, Poissy, BP 3082, France.,INSERM UMR 970, PARCC, Paris, France.,EA FETUS 7328, Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | - B Deloison
- INSERM UMR 970, PARCC, Paris, France.,EA FETUS 7328, Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France.,Maternité Necker-Enfants Malade, Assistance Publique Hopitaux de Paris, Faculté de Médecine, Univeristé Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | | | - G E Chalouhi
- INSERM UMR 970, PARCC, Paris, France.,Maternité Necker-Enfants Malade, Assistance Publique Hopitaux de Paris, Faculté de Médecine, Univeristé Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | - N Siauve
- INSERM UMR 970, PARCC, Paris, France
| | - M Alison
- INSERM UMR 970, PARCC, Paris, France
| | - B Bessières
- Département de Génétique Histologie-Embryologie-Cytogénétique, Hopital Necker-Enfant Malades, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - J L Gennisson
- Institut Langevin Ondes et Images, ESPCI ParisTech, Paris, France
| | - O Clément
- INSERM UMR 970, PARCC, Paris, France
| | - L J Salomon
- INSERM UMR 970, PARCC, Paris, France.,EA FETUS 7328, Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France.,Maternité Necker-Enfants Malade, Assistance Publique Hopitaux de Paris, Faculté de Médecine, Univeristé Paris Descartes, Paris, France
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16
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Avni R, Neeman M, Garbow JR. Functional MRI of the placenta--From rodents to humans. Placenta 2015; 36:615-22. [PMID: 25916594 PMCID: PMC4452090 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2015.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2015] [Revised: 03/30/2015] [Accepted: 04/04/2015] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
The placenta performs a wide range of physiological functions; insufficiencies in these functions may result in a variety of severe prenatal and postnatal syndromes with long-term negative impacts on human adult health. Recent advances in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies of placental function, in both animal models and humans, have contributed significantly to our understanding of placental structure, blood flow, oxygenation status, and metabolic profile, and have provided important insights into pregnancy complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Avni
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - M Neeman
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel.
| | - J R Garbow
- Biomedical MR Laboratory, Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri, United States.
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17
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Drobyshevsky A, Prasad PV. Placental perfusion in uterine ischemia model as evaluated by dynamic contrast enhanced MRI. J Magn Reson Imaging 2015; 42:666-72. [PMID: 25854322 DOI: 10.1002/jmri.24830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2014] [Revised: 12/05/2014] [Accepted: 12/08/2014] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To validate DCE MRI method of placental perfusion estimation and to demonstrate application of the method in a rabbit model of fetal antenatal hypoxia-ischemia. METHODS Placental perfusion was estimated by dynamic contrast imaging with bolus injection of Gd-DTPA in 3 Tesla GE magnet in a rabbit model of placental ischemia-reperfusion in rabbit dams at embryonic day 25 gestation age. Placental perfusion was measured using steepest slope method on DCE MRI before and after intermittent 40 min uterine ischemia. Antioxidants (n = 2 dams, 9 placentas imaged) or vehicle (n = 5 dams, 23 placenta imaged) were given systemically in a separate group of dams during reperfusion-reoxygenation. Placental perfusion was also measured in two dams from the antioxidant group (10 placentas) and two dams from the control group (12 placentas) by fluorescent microspheres method. RESULTS While placental perfusion estimates between fluorescent microspheres and DCE MRI were significantly correlated (R(2) = 0.85; P < 0.01), there was approximately 33% systematic underestimation by the latter technique. DCE MRI showed a significant decrease in maternal placental perfusion in reperfusion-reoxygenation phase in the saline, 0.44 ± 0.06 mL/min/g (P = 0.012, t-test), but not in the antioxidant group, 0.62 ± 0.06 mL/min/g, relative to pre-occlusion values (0.77 ± 0.07 and 0.84 ± 0.12 mL/min/g, correspondingly). CONCLUSION Underestimation of true perfusion in placenta by steepest slope DCE MRI is significant and the error appears to be systematic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - P V Prasad
- Radiology, NorthShore University HealthSystem, Evanston, IL
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18
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Vitamin C supplementation ameliorates the adverse effects of nicotine on placental hemodynamics and histology in nonhuman primates. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2015; 212:370.e1-8. [PMID: 25725660 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2014.12.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2014] [Revised: 12/04/2014] [Accepted: 12/29/2014] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We previously demonstrated that prenatal nicotine exposure decreases neonatal pulmonary function in nonhuman primates, and maternal vitamin C supplementation attenuates these deleterious effects. However, the effect of nicotine on placental perfusion and development is not fully understood. This study utilizes noninvasive imaging techniques and histological analysis in a nonhuman primate model to test the hypothesis that prenatal nicotine exposure adversely effects placental hemodynamics and development but is ameliorated by vitamin C. STUDY DESIGN Time-mated macaques (n = 27) were divided into 4 treatment groups: control (n = 5), nicotine only (n = 4), vitamin C only (n = 9), and nicotine plus vitamin C (n = 9). Nicotine animals received 2 mg/kg per day of nicotine bitartrate (approximately 0.7 mg/kg per day free nicotine levels in pregnant human smokers) from days 26 to 160 (term, 168 days). Vitamin C groups received ascorbic acid at 50, 100, or 250 mg/kg per day with or without nicotine. All underwent placental dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) at 135-140 days and Doppler ultrasound at 155 days to measure uterine artery and umbilical vein velocimetry and diameter to calculate uterine artery volume blood flow and placental volume blood flow. Animals were delivered by cesarean delivery at 160 days. A novel DCE-MRI protocol was utilized to calculate placental perfusion from maternal spiral arteries. Placental tissue was processed for histopathology. RESULTS Placental volume blood flow was significantly reduced in nicotine-only animals compared with controls and nicotine plus vitamin C groups (P = .03). Maternal placental blood flow was not different between experimental groups by DCE-MRI, ranging from 0.75 to 1.94 mL/mL per minute (P = .93). Placental histology showed increased numbers of villous cytotrophoblast cell islands (P < .05) and increased syncytiotrophoblast sprouting (P < .001) in nicotine-only animals, which was mitigated by vitamin C. CONCLUSION Prenatal nicotine exposure significantly decreased fetal blood supply via reduced placental volume blood flow, which corresponded with placental histological findings previously associated with cigarette smoking. Vitamin C supplementation mitigated the harmful effects of prenatal nicotine exposure on placental hemodynamics and development, suggesting that its use may limit some of the adverse effects associated with smoking during pregnancy.
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19
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Automatic differentiation of placental perfusion compartments by time-to-peak analysis in mice. Placenta 2015; 36:255-61. [DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2014.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2014] [Revised: 11/04/2014] [Accepted: 12/14/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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20
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Krishnamurthy U, Szalai G, Neelavalli J, Shen Y, Chaiworapongsa T, Hernandez-Andrade E, Than NG, Xu Z, Yeo L, Haacke M, Romero R. Quantitative T2 changes and susceptibility-weighted magnetic resonance imaging in murine pregnancy. Gynecol Obstet Invest 2014; 78:33-40. [PMID: 24861575 PMCID: PMC4119876 DOI: 10.1159/000362552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2014] [Accepted: 03/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate gestational age-dependent changes in the T2 relaxation time in normal murine placentas in vivo. The role of susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) in visualization of the murine fetal anatomy was also elucidated. METHODS Timed-pregnant CD-1 mice at gestational day (GD) 12 and GD17 underwent magnetic resonance imaging. Multi-echo spin echo and SWI data were acquired. The placental T2 values on GD12 and GD17 were quantified. To account for the influence of systemic maternal physiological factors on placental perfusion, maternal muscle was used as a reference for T2 normalization. A linear mixed-effects model was used to fit the normalized T2 values, and the significance of the coefficients was tested. Fetal SWI images were processed and reviewed for venous vasculature and skeletal structures. RESULTS The average placental T2 value decreased significantly on GD17 (40.17 ± 4.10 ms) compared to the value on GD12 (55.78 ± 8.13 ms). The difference in normalized T2 values also remained significant (p = 0.001). Using SWI, major fetal venous structures like the cardinal vein, the subcardinal vein, and the portal vein were visualized on GD12. In addition, fetal skeletal structures could also be discerned on GD17. CONCLUSION The T2 value of a normal murine placenta decreases with advancing gestation. SWI provided clear visualization of the fetal venous vasculature and bony structures. © 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uday Krishnamurthy
- Department of Radiology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Mich., USA
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