[Sonographic evaluation of the circulation in the ductus venosus Arantii].
BACKGROUND
Out of the three fetal circulatory shunts, namely the ductus venosus, the foramen ovale and the ductus arteriosus, the ductus venosus is the most important from the point of view of prenatal sonographic diagnosis. This short vessel channels blood from umbilical vein into the left atrium of the fetal heart. Thereafter, the blood, flowing through the left ventricle, supplies the myocardium and the central nervous system.


OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the feasibility of assessing fetal well being on the basis of sonographic measurement of the pulsatility index and the blood flow velocity waveforms.


METHODS
Using color Doppler ultrasound instrument, in the course of routine antenatal examinations, the author investigated the blood flow velocity waveforms in the ductus venosus in 102 normal and 14 growth retarded fetuses.


RESULTS
The blood flow velocity waveforms in the ductus venosus display two distinguishable peaks. The higher from them is seen during ventricular systole. The smaller peak reflects the blood flow during the passive filling caused by ventricular diastole and the ensuing minimal velocity, or perhaps a negative component with the next atrial contraction.


CONCLUSIONS
Evaluation of the blood flow in the ductus venosus provides insight into physiologic and pathologic processes in the fetal organism. This technique is capable of identifying fetuses predisposed to or endangered by newborn diseases.
Jakobovits
Akos
A
Toldy Ferenc Kórhaz, Szülészeti es Nogyógyászati Osztály, Cegléd.
D001775:Blood Circulation; D001783:Blood Flow Velocity; D004373:Ductus Arteriosus / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D005317:Fetal Growth Retardation / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology; D006346:Heart Septum / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D011263:Pregnancy Trimester, Third; D018608:Ultrasonography, Doppler; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal