Emer J Hughes1, Anthony N Price2, Laura McCabe1, Kelly Pegoretti Baruteau1, Jana Hutter2, Olivia Carney1, Andreia S Gaspar2, Joseph V Hajnal2, and Mary Rutherford1
1Perinatal Imaging and Health, Kings College London, London, United Kingdom, 2Biomedical Engineering, Kings College London, London, United Kingdom
In-vivo imaging of the fetus is commonly undertaken in the left-lateral
position to prevent compression of the inferior vena cava (IVC) and hence a
vasovagal episode. Studies have shown that the IVC has collateral pathways,
such as the lumbar venous plexus and the lumbar veins that provide collateral
venous return. Here, we use phase contrast imaging to assess the venous return
pathways in pregnant women lying supine and left lateral tilt in the MRI
scanner. We found that the spinal venous plexus and the ascending lumbar veins
act as a complimentary venous return system to maintain vascular homeostasis in
pregnant women lying supine. This supports the proposition that it is feasible
to scan pregnant women safely in the supine position.
