ABSTRACT
Objective:To evaluate the placental micro-vascular circulation by microvascular flowing imaging (MVFI) method, and to explore the clinical value of microvascular index (MVI) for the diagnosis of fetal growth restriction (FGR).Methods:A total of 21 fetuses at 24-34 weeks of gestation at the Peking Union Medical College Hospital from October to November 2019 were enrolled in this study, including 7 fetal growth restriction (FGR) fetuses, and 14 normal fetuses as control group. The fetuses of the two groups were matched according to the gestational weeks at the ratio of 1∶2. Fetal biometry parameters were measured and the placenta was observed by two-dimensional ultrasound.Uterine artery pulse index (UtA-PI), middle cerebral artery pulse index (MCA-PI), and umbilical artery S/D ratio were evaluated by color and pulse-wave Doppler. The placenta mico-circulation was displayed by the MVFI method and MVI was measured.Results:The study included 14 normal fetuses and 7 FGR fetuses. Compared with the control group, more placenta in the FGR group manifested as thickened and heterogeneous with decreased MVI and increased UtA-PI. There was statistically significant difference in placental mean MVI between two groups ( P=0.044). Besides, a trend towards significant negative correlation was observed between MVI and placenta thickness, although this was not statistically significant ( rs=-0.35, P=0.065). MVI had a higher specificity (100%) in the prediction of FGR. Conclusions:MVFI can display the micro-circulation of the placenta, and provide a direct and quantitative assessment method for placental perfusion.
ABSTRACT
To investigate the prenatal sonographic feature in the early diagnosis of amniotic band syndrome at 11 －14 weeks′ gestation . Methods A retrospective study was conducted to analysis and summarize the ultrasonographic features of 4 fetuses without band‐like echoes in amniotic cavity at 11－14 weeks′gestation ,but verified as amniotic band syndrome in Peking Union M edical College Hospital . Results T wo cases ( cases 1 ,2) showed the fixed head position with skull defect and intracranial structure disorders . Cases 3 and 4 showed one upper limb in a fixed position ,and the hand seemed to adhere to the umbilical cord isolatedly . In addition ,case 1 showed complete chorioamniotic membrane separation . T here were multiple band‐like echoes adhered to body of 3 fetals during the follow‐up scan at 14 －18 weeks . T he parents of cases 1 and 2 chose to terminate the pregnancy after counseling ,the other 2 cases also induced labor due to intrauterine fetal death at 15+2 weeks and 19+2 weeks respectively . All 4 cases were confirmed as amniotic band syndrome by pathology . Conclusions When the fetal sonographic images showed fixed head position ,disordered intracranial structure ,or adhesion between umbilical cord and hand with limited movement at 11 －14 weeks′ gestation ,it should be paid attention to observing the band‐like echoes and followed up closely to prevent missed diagnosis of amniotic band syndrome .