Background

Early identification of placental insufficiency can lead to appropriate treatment selections and can improve neonates' outcomes. Possible contributions of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have been suggested.

Purpose

To evaluate the prognostic capabilities 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).

Material and Methods

A total of 68 singleton pregnancies at 24–40 weeks of gestation underwent placental MRI and were reviewed retrospectively. UmA-PI was measured using Doppler ultrasound by obstetricians. IVIM parameters (Dfast, Dslow, and f) were calculated with a Bayesian model fitting. First, the associations between gestational age (GA) with placental IVIM parameters, T2-relaxation time, and placental thickness (PT) were evaluated. Second, IVIM parameters, T2 value (Z-score), PT (Z-score), and UmA-PI (Z-score) were compared between ( 1) those delivering small for gestational age (SGA) and appropriate for gestational age (AGA) neonates, ( 2) emergency cesarean section (ECS), and non-ECS, and ( 3) preterm birth and full-term birth.

Results

Low birth weight was observed in 15/68 cases (22%). GA was significantly associated only with T2-relaxation time and PT. SGA was significantly associated with T2 value (Z-score), f, and UmA-PI (Z-score). In the ECS groups, T2 value (Z-score), f, and Dfast were significantly lower than those in non-ECS groups. All IVIM parameters and T2 values (Z-score) showed significantly lower scores in the preterm birth group.

Conclusion

Placental f and T2 value (Z-score) had significant associations with low birth weight and clinical adverse outcomes and could be potential imaging biomarkers of placental insufficiency.