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Updated: Apr 16, 2026
Fetal Echocardiography and Pulsed-wave Doppler Ultrasound in a Rabbit Model of Intrauterine Growth Restriction
Published on: June 29, 2013
Measurement of internal diameter changes and pulse wave velocity in fetal descending aorta using the ultrasonic
Susumu Miyashita1, Jun Murotsuki1, Jin Muromoto1
1Department of Advanced Fetal and Developmental Medicine, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan; Department of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Miyagi Children's Hospital, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan.
Insights
Phased tracking (PT) accurately measures fetal hemodynamics. Growth-restricted fetuses show significantly higher pulse wave velocity and pulse pressure compared to normal fetuses.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Ultrasound Technology
- Fetal Physiology
Background:
- Precise measurement of fetal hemodynamics is crucial for assessing fetal well-being.
- Ultrasound-based techniques offer non-invasive methods for hemodynamic evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate arterial pulse waveform, pulse wave velocity, and fetal pulse pressure using phased tracking (PT).
- To compare hemodynamic parameters in normal and growth-restricted fetuses.
Main Methods:
- Phased tracking (PT) was used to analyze ultrasonic raw radiofrequency signals.
- Pulsatile movement of the proximal and distal intima of fetal vessels was assessed.
- Measurements were taken from the descending aorta at the fetal diaphragmatic level.
Main Results:
- Fetal difference in internal dimensions (DID) showed no significant changes in growth-restricted fetuses.
- Pulse wave velocity was significantly elevated in growth-restricted fetuses (3.8 ± 0.32 m/s vs. 2.2 ± 0.069 m/s, p < 0.001).
- Estimated pulse pressure was significantly higher in growth-restricted fetuses (6.9 ± 0.90 kPa vs. 2.5 ± 0.18 kPa, p < 0.001).
Conclusions:
- Phased tracking (PT) is a feasible and non-invasive method for evaluating fetal hemodynamics.
- Elevated pulse wave velocity and pulse pressure in growth-restricted fetuses indicate altered vascular properties.
- PT assessment of DID and pulse wave velocity can aid in the evaluation of fetal growth restriction.
Abstract:
Phased tracking (PT) is an ultrasound-based technique that enables precise measurement of a target velocity. The aims of this study were to use PT to evaluate arterial pulse waveform, pulse wave velocity and fetal pulse pressure in normal and growth-restricted fetuses. One hundred fetuses with normal development and 15 fetuses with growth restriction were analyzed. Ultrasonic raw radiofrequency signals were captured from a direction perpendicular to the vascular axis at the fetal diaphragmatic level for the difference in internal dimensions (DID), or simultaneously from different directions for the pulse wave velocity. Pulsatile movement of the proximal and distal intima of the vessels was analyzed using PT. The fetal DID exhibited no significant changes in growth-restricted fetuses. Pulse wave velocity (3.8 ± 0.32 m/s vs. 2.2 ± 0.069 m/s, p < 0.001) and estimated pulse pressure (6.9 ± 0.90 kPa vs. 2.5 ± 0.18 kPa, p < 0.001) were significantly elevated in growth-restricted fetuses. Assessment of DID and pulse wave velocity of the descending aorta using PT is a feasible, non-invasive approach to evaluation of fetal hemodynamics.
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