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Doppler studies of fetal cerebral blood flow
Author(s) -
Degani S.,
Lewinsky R. M.,
Shapiro I.
Publication year - 1994
Publication title -
ultrasound in obstetrics and gynecology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.202
H-Index - 141
eISSN - 1469-0705
pISSN - 0960-7692
DOI - 10.1046/j.1469-0705.1994.04020158.x
Subject(s) - medicine , fetus , fetal circulation , cerebral blood flow , hypoxia (environmental) , cerebral circulation , blood flow , pathological , doppler ultrasound , cardiology , placental circulation , doppler effect , pregnancy , laser doppler velocimetry , placenta , chemistry , genetics , physics , organic chemistry , astronomy , oxygen , biology
Abstract Doppler flow velocity waveforms from fetal cerebral vessels can be reliably obtained by a transabdominal or transvaginal scanning route. Changes in pulsatility imply alterations in cerebral impedance and reflect the physiological regulatory mechanisms underlying pathological processes during pregnancy. In fetuses severely distressed due to failure of placental function, the ratios reflecting the redistribution of fetal circulation (e.g. the ‘brain‐sparing effect’) help to identify fetuses at risk for fetal hypoxia. Apart from providing an increase in medical knowledge, this non‐invasive technique is proving to be clinically useful. Copyright © 1994 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology