[Spontaneous constriction of the fetal ductus arteriosus]

The case report describes the pre- and postnatal clinical and sonographic findings of a fetus with spontaneous constriction of Ductus arteriosus at 39 weeks gestation. An abnormal four-chamber view due to a hypertrophied and enlarged right ventricle, increased peak systolic (2.39 m/sec), increased peak diastolic (0.88 m/sec) velocities and the decreased pulsatility index of 0.92 were the diagnostic criteria. The flow of the right pulmonary artery was retrograde. After birth estimated pulmonary pressure was 50 mmHg. It is concluded that constriction of the fetal ductus arteriosus may also occur spontaneously in the absence of maternal drugs.