The significance of fetal echocardiography and dopplerography of cerebral vessels in evaluation of intrauterine fetal status

Abstract

The retrospective assessment of fetal cardiac flow patterns and cerebral circulation parameters with various degree of fetal distress syndrome was made in 150 pregnant women with different obstetrical and extragenital abnormalities. The examinations were done in the 3^rd trimester of gestation on «Acuson 128 XP/IO» ultrasound system. The conclusion was made: the type and the degree of severity of fetal condition were determined by the changes of fetal cardiac and cerebral flow.

Full Text

-   For the 1^st degree of intrauterine growth retardation (asymmetric type), the increase of fetal left ventricular volume patterns by 20% with no changes in cerebral flow is typical.

-    For chronic fetal hypoxia, the decrease of volume patterns in both cardiac ventriculars of 20% accompanied by normal or insignificant fall of vascular resistant indices in the middle cerebral artery are common.

For the 2^nd and 3 ^rd degree of intrauterine growth retardation in combination with fetal chronic hypoxia, the decrease of volume patterns in both cardiac ventriculars of 25-30% accompanied by the decrease of vascular resistant indices in the middle cerebral artery by 20%.