Reverse flow in the umbilical vein in a case of trisomy 9

This report describes a case of reverse flow in the umbilical vein and ductus venosus during atrial contraction of a fetus at 12 weeks of gestation with increased nuchal translucency (9.1 mm). In addition, Doppler velocimetry detected high retrograde flow in the inferior vena cava. Cytogenetic analysis of chorionic villi revealed trisomy 9. We suggest that these findings may be a first trimester sign of chromosomal and cardiac abnormalities in the fetus.