Placental blood flow mapping in the first trimester of human pregnancy

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2005

Authors

Montenegro N (Author) FMUP; Levi S. (Author) Other; matias, a (Author) FMUP; Hustin J. (Author) Other; Pereira Leite L. (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Ultrasound Review of Obstetrics and Gynecology

Vol. 5

Pages: 23-28

ISSN: 1472-2240

Publisher: Parthenon Publishing Group

Indexing

Scopus - 0 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-007-DKQ

DOI: 10.1080/14722240500104955

Abstract (EN): Human placental circulation in the first trimester of pregnancy remains a subject of scientific debate. Most of the acquired knowledge on the physiological background of maternal-fetal interface relies on old studies, most of them performed in non-hemochorial placentas and using light and electron microscopy for the pathological specimens' evaluation. Recently, some ultrasonographic research in this field, using pulsed-wave and/or colour Doppler, yielded contradictory results. The availability of these non-invasive methods should allow the in vivo investigation of placental circulation since early phases of human pregnancy. A more recent technique - Power Doppler - should be preferred considering its resolution, angle-independence, higher sensitivity for lower velocities and absence of known harmful bioeffects in the early periods of gestation. We provide an overview on first trimester maternal-fetal circulation, assessed by non-invasive techniques, namely by transvaginal power Doppler ultrasonography trying to contribute to a better understanding of the anatomo-physiological aspects of human placental circulation. © 2005 Taylor & Francis Group Ltd.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 5