Placental functional assessment to predict adverse pregnancy outcome by MRI

2019 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 17K10401
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Radiation science
• Research Institution: Kyoto University
• Principal Investigator: Kido Aki 京都大学, 医学研究科, 助教 (80595710)
• Project Period (FY): 2017-04-01 – 2020-03-31
• Keywords: MRI / 胎盤

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The study aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of placental intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) parameters and T2-relaxation time, and their correlation with fetal growth and adverse outcomes, comparing umbilical artery (UmA) pulsatility index (PI). In 68 cases, UmA-PI and IVIM parameters (Dfast, Dslow, and f) were calculated. First, the associations of gestational age with placental IVIM parameters, T2-relaxation time, and placental thickness were evaluated. Secondly, all the parameters were compared between (1) those delivering small for gestational age and appropriate for gestational age neonates, (2) emergency caesarean section (ECS) and non-ECS, and (3) preterm birth and full term birth. In conclusion, T2 value (Z-score) and f showed significant associations with low birth weight and adverse outcomes of pregnancy. T2 value (Z-score) had better correlation with birth weight than UmA-PI. Therefore, placental IVIM and T2 Z-score are efficient biomarkers of placental dysfunction.

Free Research Field

放射線医学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

非侵襲的かつ客観的検査であるMRI検査において、非造影で得られる定量値が妊娠転帰と相関することが明らかとなり、出産前に胎児の状態を定量的に知ることができ、出産時に生じうる問題への対処が可能となると考えられる。