In vivo assessment of failed trophoblastic invasion of the spiral arteries in pre-eclampsia.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the ability of colour/pulsed Doppler ultrasound to detect failed physiologic change of the spiral arteries in pregnancies complicated by pre-eclampsia.


METHODS
Prospective matched-pairs case controlled study.


METHODS
Tertiary referral teaching hospital.


METHODS
Sixteen women with severe pre-eclampsia and 16 normotensive controls.


METHODS
Colour/pulsed Doppler assessment of blood flow in the uterine arteries and spiral arteries in central and peripheral parts of the placental bed.


METHODS
Impedance to blood flow in the spiral arteries in pre-eclamptic group compared with normotensive controls.


RESULTS
In women with pre-eclampsia there is significantly higher impedance to blood flow in spiral arteries compared with normotensive women.


CONCLUSIONS
Ultrasound colour/pulsed Doppler based investigation of blood flow in the spiral arteries in ongoing pregnancy can detect failed physiological change of these vessels in pre-eclampsia. This is in concordance with histologic data.
Matijevic
R
R
University of Manchester Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, St. Mary's Hospital, Whitworth Park.
Johnston
T
T
D001158:Arteries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010920:Placenta / Q000098:blood supply*; D010929:Placentation / Q000502:physiology*; D011225:Pre-Eclampsia / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011673:Pulsatile Flow; D012039:Regional Blood Flow; D014327:Trophoblasts / Q000502:physiology*; D018615:Ultrasonography, Doppler, Color; D018617:Ultrasonography, Doppler, Pulsed; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal; D014655:Vascular Resistance