Meizhi Li, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Xiaoling Zhang, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Jian Guan MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Shurong Li, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Mingjuan Liu MMEd, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Chenyu Gou, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Yan Guo MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

The purpose of this study is for the first time to investigate the three-dimensional visualization of the placental arterial and venous vasculatures ex vivo on 64 spiral CT angiography by injecting two different concentrations of contrast agent into arteries and veins .

The placentas from 25 healthy singleton pregnancies were injected with two different concentrations of color dyed non-ionic iodinated contrast medium in umbilical arteries and veins (red solution with 150 mg of iodine per milliliter for chorionic arteries paired with blue solution with 30mg of iodine per milliliter for chorionic veins in each placenta, respectively) . Computed tomography angiography was employed by 64 spiral CT and reconstructed using Vital Images’ Vitrea® medical imaging software , allowing for the three-dimensional configuration of placental vascular tree with chorionic arteries and veins in different densities or colors . The branches of the intraplacental villous vascular trees were observed , and the diameters of each branches of arteries and veins were measured on digital photograph. 

The 3D visualization of placental vascular tree was delineated with arteries and veins in different densities or colors . The CT angiography showed the vessels starting with the chorionic vessels branching off into 5-6th generation blood vessels in arteries and 4-5 generation blood vessels in vein , of which some in the placental parenchyma . The blood vessels with the smallest diameter of 0.6mm was delineated . 

Placental arteries and veins could be differentiated in one CT angiography by injecting different concentrations of contrast agent . The deep blood vessels in the placental parenchyma could be delineated.

Ex vivo CT angiography of the placental arteries and veins can demonstrate deep blood vessels in the parenchyma and is recommended in the investigation of deep arterio-venous anastomoses within twin or triplets placentas.

Li, M, Zhang, X, Guan, J, Li, S, Liu, M, Gou, C, Guo, Y, Three-dimensional Visualization of the Placental Arterial and Venous Vasculatures ex vivo by 64-spiral CT.  Radiological Society of North America 2014 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, - ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2014/14010582.html