Stratified management of gestational hypertension: Superiority of functional magnetic resonance parameters over ultrasonography

Motivation: Effective prenatal prediction of gestational hypertension (GH) can improve the clinical management of pregnant women at high risk of preeclampsia (PE) as pregnancy progresses. Goal(s): To investigate the findings of placental virtual magnetic resonance elastography (vMRE), intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) parameters, and ultrasound examination to predict the progression of GH to PE. Approach: We calculated vMRE and IVIM parameters and apparent diffusion coefficient and retrospectively performed ultrasound examinations. The differences in the aforementioned parameters were compared, and their predictive efficacy was evaluated. Results: Patients with PE had higher placental stiffness and lower microcirculation. Impact: Virtual magnetic resonance elastography and intravoxel incoherent motion comprise a vital complementary diagnostic method to conventional ultrasound screening for placental dysfunction in patients with high-risk hypertensive disorders in pregnancy, further improving the sensitivity and specificity of pregnancy screening.