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Normal fetal pulmonary venous blood flow velocity
J A Laudy1, T W Huisman, M A de Ridder
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Dijkzigt, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
Summary
This study establishes normal fetal pulmonary venous blood flow velocity ranges during pregnancy. Velocities increase with gestational age, while the velocity ratio decreases, aiding in understanding fetal heart development.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Fetal Medicine
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Pulmonary venous blood flow is crucial for fetal cardiac function.
- Establishing normal reference ranges is essential for diagnosing potential abnormalities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the normal pulmonary venous blood flow velocity waveform in healthy fetuses.
- To establish reference ranges for the second half of pregnancy.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a combined color-coded Doppler and 2D real-time ultrasound system.
- Obtained pulsed Doppler flow velocity waveforms of pulmonary venous drainage in 123 fetuses (20-40 weeks).
- Waveforms were acquired during fetal apnea at the cardiac four-chamber view level.
Main Results:
- Successfully obtained pulmonary venous waveforms in 81% of cases.
- Observed a biphasic forward flow profile with systolic and diastolic components.
- Demonstrated a gestational age-related increase in peak systolic, peak diastolic, and time-averaged velocities.
- Showed a gestational age-related reduction in the peak systolic/peak diastolic ratio.
Conclusions:
- The fetal pulmonary venous flow velocity waveform suggests positive pressure towards the left atrium throughout the cardiac cycle.
- Increased volume flow and pulmonary venous pressure gradient likely contribute to gestational age-related changes in flow velocities.