Role of MRI in Comparison to Ultrasound in Detection of Placental Disorders

Abstract

he placenta is a unique, autonomous and transient organ. It forms the biologic interface between the mother and fetus and is critical to fetal growth and development. Malformations in development, positioning, and vascularity can have profound implications for both maternal and fetal well-being. As such, a judicious inspection of the placenta is warranted as an integral part of every screening or emergent prenatal ultrasound. Ultrasound remains the modality of choice in imaging the placenta due to its availability, safety, low cost, and easily performed. However, it is operator dependent, and evaluation may be limited because of fetal position, maternal obesity, and/or overlying bone. Magnetic resonance imaging is an alternative modality that uses no ionizing radiation, has excellent tissue contrast and a large field of view, is not limited by obesity or overlying bone, and can image the placenta in multiple planes, no matter the fetal lie. Faster scanning techniques allow studies to be performed without sedation in the second and third trimester with minimal motion artefact. Special attention should be paid to the sonographic examinations of patients with a history of caesarean delivery and subsequent diagnosis of placenta previa. Being sonography is more available than MRI, less expensive, and non-invasive,