Anisotropy in the Human Placenta in Pregnancies Complicated by Fetal Growth Restriction

The placenta has a unique structure, which enables the transfer of oxygen and nutrients from the mother to the developing fetus. Abnormalities in placental structure are associated with major complications of pregnancy; for instance, changes in the complex branching structures of fetal villous trees are associated with fetal growth restriction. Diffusion MRI has the potential to measure such fine placental microstructural details. Here, we present in-vivo placental diffusion MRI scans from controls and pregnancies complicated by fetal growth restriction. We find that after 30 weeks’ gestation fractional anisotropy is significantly higher in placentas associated with growth restricted pregnancies. This shows the potential of diffusion MRI derived measures of anisotropy for assessing placental function during pregnancy