Modern placental imaging methods

Medical imaging research of the human placenta provides another interesting, albeit preliminary, aspect of digital human modeling. The placenta's important role in fetal development and its association with fetal and maternal pathologies has been extensively researched. Significantly, many pathologies with a placental origin can extend into adult life and influence long-term health outcomes for individuals. Epidemiological research demonstrates an association between fetal growth restriction (FGR) and longer-term sequelae, including higher rates of childhood obesity (Voerman et al. 2019), adult cardiovascular (Barker, 2006; Curhan et al., 1996), and metabolic disorders (Catalano & Ehrenberg, 2006). Notably, many of these pathologies result in structural and microvascular changes to the normal placental architecture and have the potential to be quantitively evaluated with noninvasive imaging techniques. For example, it has been suggested that changes in placental stiffness detectable via ultrasound elastography can be used to identify pregnancy complications, such as fetal growth restriction and preeclampsia (Edwards et al., 2020). These conditions have an increased risk of stillbirth, and are associated with increased maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality (Burton et al., 2009; Unterscheider et al., 2014). Researchers can now examine the placenta beyond a fundamental anatomical perspective and perform sophisticated biomechanical analysis in vivo. With increasing tools available, there is potential to develop novel placental models, which may provide a better understanding of the epidemiological impact of poor placental development. This chapter introduces the emerging imaging techniques, with a focus on ultrasound and MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), that contribute to a greater understanding and modeling of the structure and function of the placenta and its essential role in lifelong human health and development.