Ductus venosus: A love story of 14 years

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2011

Authors

matias, a (Author) FMUP; Montenegro, N (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Donald School Journal of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology

Vol. 5

Pages: 141-149

ISSN: 0973-614X

Publisher: Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers (P) Ltd

Indexing

Scopus - 2 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-008-0X8

Abstract (EN): Ductus venosus is a tiny vessel with a central role in fetal circulation. Combining B-mode with color and pulsed Doppler is feasible to identify this vessel and evaluate the blood flow waveform at 11 to 13 weeks. The higher prevalence of abnormal A-wave in fetuses with abnormal karyotype and/or cardiac defects turned DV evaluation into a useful marker for chromosomal abnormalities and cardiopathies. Even when combined with nuchal translucency (NT) or biochemical markers, DV blood flow evaluation contributes to an increase in sensitivity and reduces false-positive rate. Abnormal ductal flow is also related to a worse fetal and perinatal outcome. In monochorionic twin pregnancies, in addition to NT measurement at 11 to 14 weeks, the Doppler assessment of DV blood flow increases relevantly the performance of screening for those at higher risk of developing twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome. This story of 14 years surely contributed to change the way first trimester screening is being implemented.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific