Structured evaluation and reporting in imaging of placenta and umbilical cord

Abstract

The human placenta plays a pivotal role in development and growth of the fetus. Disorder of this multifunctional organ is central to various fetal disorders. Doppler sonography and MRI provide excellent diagnostic evaluation of the placental morphology and umbilical cord. Decades of experience in obstetric imaging have highlighted the need of careful prenatal assessment of placenta. However, in most of the routine obstetric scans, the evaluation and reporting of the placental examination is limited to the location and grade of the placenta. The purpose of this article is to review the existing literature and facilitate step-by-step evaluation of the placenta and umbilical cord by the radiologists.