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Sonographic evaluation of intervillous flow in early pregnancy: use of echo‐enhancement agents
Author(s) -
Simpson N. A. B.,
Nimrod C.,
De Vermette R.,
Leblanc C.,
Fournier J.
Publication year - 1998
Publication title -
ultrasound in obstetrics and gynecology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.202
H-Index - 141
eISSN - 1469-0705
pISSN - 0960-7692
DOI - 10.1046/j.1469-0705.1998.11030204.x
Subject(s) - medicine , placental circulation , pulsatile flow , intervillous space , ultrasound , blood flow , pregnancy , echo (communications protocol) , doppler effect , radiology , placenta , cardiology , fetus , genetics , biology , computer network , physics , astronomy , computer science
The uteroplacental circulation of the cynomolgus monkey was examined in early pregnancy using a high‐resolution ultrasound scanner. Intravenous injection of an echo‐contrast agent, Albunex (sonicated albumin), was used to enhance the color Doppler images obtained. The flow of blood into and out of the intervillous compartment was readily assessed and quantified using pulsed and color Doppler. Flow within the intracotyledonary space was pulsatile and indicative of a low‐resistance system. Flow within the decidual veins was non‐pulsatile. The use of echo‐contrast agents may assist in the determination of intervillous flow in human pregnancy at a correspondingly early stage. Copyright © 1998 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology