Placenta maps: In utero placental health assessment of the human fetus

Miao H, Mistelbauer G, Karimov A, Alansary A, Davidson A, Lloyd DFA, Damodaram M, Story L, Hutter J, Hajnal JV, Rutherford M, Preim B, Kainz B, Groeller ME (2017)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2017

Journal

IEEE Transactions on Visualization and Computer Graphics Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)

Book Volume: 23

Pages Range: 1612-1623

Article Number: 7864470

Journal Issue: 6

DOI: 10.1109/TVCG.2017.2674938

Abstract

The human placenta is essential for the supply of the fetus. To monitor the fetal development, imaging data is acquired using (US). Although it is currently the gold-standard in fetal imaging, it might not capture certain abnormalities of the placenta. (MRI) is a safe alternative for the in utero examination while acquiring the fetus data in higher detail. Nevertheless, there is currently no established procedure for assessing the condition of the placenta and consequently the fetal health. Due to maternal respiration and inherent movements of the fetus during examination, a quantitative assessment of the placenta requires fetal motion compensation, precise placenta segmentation and a standardized visualization, which are challenging tasks. Utilizing advanced motion compensation and automatic segmentation methods to extract the highly versatile shape of the placenta, we introduce a novel visualization technique that presents the fetal and maternal side of the placenta in a standardized way. Our approach enables physicians to explore the placenta even in utero. This establishes the basis for a comparative assessment of multiple placentas to analyze possible pathologic arrangements and to support the research and understanding of this vital organ. Additionally, we propose a three-dimensional structure-aware surface slicing technique in order to explore relevant regions inside the placenta. Finally, to survey the applicability of our approach, we consulted clinical experts in prenatal diagnostics and imaging. We received mainly positive feedback, especially the applicability of our technique for research purposes was appreciated.

Authors with CRIS profile

Jana Hutter
Bernhard Kainz

Involved external institutions

Technische Universität Wien / Vienna University of Technology AT Austria (AT) Otto-von-Guericke-Universität Magdeburg DE Germany (DE) Imperial College London / The Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine GB United Kingdom (GB) King’s College London GB United Kingdom (GB)

How to cite

APA:

Miao, H., Mistelbauer, G., Karimov, A., Alansary, A., Davidson, A., Lloyd, D.F.A.,... Groeller, M.E. (2017). Placenta maps: In utero placental health assessment of the human fetus. IEEE Transactions on Visualization and Computer Graphics, 23(6), 1612-1623. https://dx.doi.org/10.1109/TVCG.2017.2674938

MLA:

Miao, Haichao, et al. "Placenta maps: In utero placental health assessment of the human fetus." IEEE Transactions on Visualization and Computer Graphics 23.6 (2017): 1612-1623.

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