Isaac
Huen1, 2, David M. Morris1, 2,
Caroline Wright3, Colin P. Sibley3, Edward Johnstone3,
Josephine H. Naish1, 2
1Imaging Sciences and Biomedical Engineering, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom; 2The University of Manchester Biomedical Imaging Institute, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom; 3Maternal & Fetal Health Research Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
Preeclampsia and Fetal Growth Restriction are common pregnancy complications thought to be caused by a compromised placental phenotype. This may affect placental oxygen delivery, for which there is little previously obtained data. Oxygen-Enhanced MRI (OE-MRI) measures ΔR1 (R1 = 1/T1) which increases when dissolved molecular oxygen concentration rises. Blood Oxygen Level Dependent (BOLD) MRI measures ΔR2* (R2*= 1/T2*) which decreases when deoxyhemoglobin concentration falls. OE-MRI and BOLD results are obtained in 10 pregnant subjects between breathing of medical air and 100% oxygen. Significant R1 increases and R2* decreases suggest oxygen delivery to the placenta has been observed in normal pregnancy.