Measuring Perfusion in normal and pathological placentas using an advanced IVIM method.

Motivation: Placental health is critical for maternal-fetal wellness, and placental vascular malperfusion detected after delivery is associated with fetal growth restriction (FGR). Goal(s): To better understand and analyze the placenta's health, we developed a novel analysis method for IVIM that is clinically feasible and can calculate more accurate IVIM parameter maps. Approach: The method utilizes a mixture prior to enhance the estimation of each voxel's IVIM parameters by drawing statistical power from all voxels. Results: Our method calculates IVIM parameter maps with a plausible range of estimated f and D*. It also improves prenatal discrimination between healthy placentas and those with FGR. Impact: To better understand and analyze in-vivo placental perfusion, we developed a novel method based on mixture-prior for intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM). It shows an improved ability to distinguish between control and growth-restricted placentas.