Microstructural and physiological changes in SARS-CoV-2 pregnancy infection by two perfusion IVIM model

Motivation: Investigating possible placental damage due to viruses, using the new two-perfusion-IVIM model. Goal(s): Previous studies conducted with IVIM have highlighted only microstructural placental damage due to SARS-CoV-2. We hypnotized also vascular damage related to perfusion. Therefore, we used the two-perfusion-IVIM model. Approach: We quantified IVIM and two-perfusion-IVIM parameters in vivo, in healthy pregnant and pregnant women affected by SARS-CoV-2. Results: The slowest perfusion fraction, f2, of the two-perfusion-IVIM, the one related to trophoblasts, is significantly lower in subjects affected by SARS-CoV-2 compared to healthy subjects, suggesting an impairment of the exchange between mother and fetus, not detectable by IVIM. Impact: Two-perfusion-IVIM model has highlighted a trophoblast perfusion impairment in SARS-CoV-2 placentas not visible by the f parameter of IVIM. Two-perfusion-IVIM opens the possibility of in-depth investigations of different viruses' infections on placental tissues.