Ductus Venosus: A Love Story of 14 Years

JOURNAL TITLE: Donald School Journal of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology

Author
1. Alexandra Matias
2. Nuno Montenegro
ISSN
0973-614X
DOI
10.5005/jp-journals-10009-1190
Volume
5
Issue
2
Publishing Year
2011
Pages
9
Author Affiliations
    1. Porto Medical Hospital of S João, Porto, Portugal
    2. Hospital of S João, Porto, Portugal
    3. Hospital of São João, Porto, Portugal
    1. Ultrasound Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital of S João, Medical Faculty, Porto University, Porto, Portugal
  • Article keywords
    Ductus venosus, Doppler blood flow, Chromosomal abnormalities, Cardiac defects, Pregnancy loss, Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome

    Abstract

    Ductus venosus is a tiny vessel with a central role in fetal circulation. Combining B-mode with color and pulsed Doppler is feasible to identify this vessel and evaluate the blood flow waveform at 11 to 13 weeks. The higher prevalence of abnormal A-wave in fetuses with abnormal karyotype and/or cardiac defects turned DV evaluation into a useful marker for chromosomal abnormalities and cardiopathies. Even when combined with nuchal translucency (NT) or biochemical markers, DV blood flow evaluation contributes to an increase in sensitivity and reduces false-positive rate. Abnormal ductal flow is also related to a worse fetal and perinatal outcome. In monochorionic twin pregnancies, in addition to NT measurement at 11 to 14 weeks, the Doppler assessment of DV blood flow increases relevantly the performance of screening for those at higher risk of developing twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome. This story of 14 years surely contributed to change the way first trimester screening is being implemented.

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