[Determination of aortic and pulmonary flow by Doppler ultrasonography]

Numerous studies have demonstrated the reliability of ultrasound Doppler in measuring aortic flow. It is generally agreed that aortic surface area and flow rate should be measured at the arch. In contrast, determination of the pulmonary flow by ultrasound Doppler, validated in children and infants, is difficult in adults due to problems encountered in measuring the diameter of the pulmonary arch.