Zachary Bowman MD, PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Paula J. Woodward MD, Abstract Co-Author: President, Amirsys, Inc

Anne M. Kennedy MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

After reviewing this exhibit the learner should 1) Understand placental development, anatomy and anatomic variants. 2) Know how to avoid mistakes in the evaluation of  the placenta particularly with respect to vasa and placenta previa and morbidly adherent placentation. 3) Know the differential diagnosis for placental thickening and placental masses.

Embryology:  Development of placenta, membranes and umbilical cord.  Anatomy: Placental location, trophotropism, marginal sinus, succenturiate lobe, circumvallate placenta, variants in placental cord insertion. Normal appearance and changes with gestational age. Imaging techniques: Ultrasound transabdominal and transvaginal, Doppler. Pitfalls in transducer selection, transducer pressure, scan planes, gain settings. MRI: T1, T2, diffusion weighted. Pitfalls with normal anatomy, artifacts Abnormal placentation: Placenta previa, placental abruption, morbidly adherent placentation, placentomegaly, placental mass Clinical relevance Radiologists interpreting obstetric imaging studies need to be aware of current nomenclature for placental location in order to prevent unnecessary follow up imaging or Cesarean section. Placental hemorrhage and morbidly adherent placentation are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. 

http://abstract.rsna.org/uploads/2014/14001218/14001218_mmw1.pdf

Bowman, Z, Woodward, P, Kennedy, A, Imaging the Placenta: Not as Simple as You Might Think!.  Radiological Society of North America 2014 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, - ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2014/14001218.html