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Abnormal ductus venosus blood flow: a clue to umbilical cord complication
Author(s) -
Bäz E.,
Zikulnig L.,
Hackelöer B.J.,
Hecher K.
Publication year - 1999
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.1469-0705.1999.13030204.x
Subject(s) - medicine , ductus venosus , fetus , umbilical artery , umbilical cord , fetal circulation , blood flow , cardiology , obstetrics , anesthesia , placenta , pregnancy , anatomy , genetics , biology
We report a case of umbilical cord complication causing fetal hypoxemia and acidemia. At 30 weeks of gestation, the patient was referred because of slightly increased amniotic fluid volume and a non‐reactive cardiotocogram. Biometry was appropriate for gestational age. Umbilical artery and fetal aortic Doppler findings were normal, whereas diastolic blood flow velocities in the middle cerebral artery were increased and the ductus venosus showed severely abnormal flow velocity waveforms with reversal of flow during atrial contraction. Since other reasons for fetal hypoxemia could be excluded, careful examination of the umbilical cord was performed. Traction of the hypercoiled umbilical cord due to its course around the fetal neck and shoulders was suspected. Cesarean section confirmed the sonographic findings and fetal blood gases revealed fetal acidemia. This case indicates that investigation of fetal venous blood flow may also help to identify fetal jeopardy due to reasons other than increased placental vascular resistance. Copyright © 1999 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology