EVALUATION OF PLACENTAL MICRO-VASCULARIZATION BY SUPERB MICRO-VASCULAR IMAGING DOPPLER IN CASES OF INTRA-UTERINE GROWTH RESTRICTION: A FIRST STEP

Superb micro-vascular imaging (SMI) Doppler has proven to be a valid method to assess normal placental micro-vascularization. In this study, we present the application of SMI Doppler to assess placental micro-vascularization in cases of placental insufficiency. We observed fewer secondary and tertiary villi in cases of intra-uterine growth restriction, as well as a lower pulsatile index of secondary villi. The observations made in our study stress the diagnostic potential of SMI Doppler in placental insufficiency. (C) 2021 World Federation for Ultrasound in Medicine & Biology. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Superb micro-vascular imaging (SMI) Doppler is an effective method for assessing normal placental micro-vascularization. In cases of placental insufficiency, SMI Doppler was used to observe fewer secondary and tertiary villi and a lower pulsatile index of secondary villi, highlighting its diagnostic potential in such conditions.