  Purpose: A combined diffusion-relaxometry MR acquisition and analysis
pipeline for in-vivo human placenta, which allows for exploration of coupling
between T2* and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) measurements in a sub 10
minute scan time.
  Methods: We present a novel acquisition combining a diffusion prepared
spin-echo with subsequent gradient echoes. The placentas of 17 pregnant women
were scanned in-vivo, including both healthy controls and participants with
various pregnancy complications. We estimate the joint T2*-ADC spectra using an
inverse Laplace transform.
  Results: T2*-ADC spectra demonstrate clear quantitative separation between
normal and dysfunctional placentas.
  Conclusions: Combined T2*-diffusivity MRI is promising for assessing fetal
and maternal health during pregnancy. The T2*-ADC spectrum potentially provides
additional information on tissue microstructure, compared to measuring these
two contrasts separately. The presented method is immediately applicable to the
study of other organs.
