Dopplervelocimetry Archives - Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia
Summary
Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 1999;21(3):153-157
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72031999000300006
Purpose: to evaluate the efficacy of color Doppler in the prediction of results of the systemic treatment of unruptured ectopic pregnancy with a single dose of methotrexate. Methodology: twenty patients with a diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy were included in the study. The inclusion criteria were: hemodynamic stability, adnexal mass < 5.0 cm and decline of the titers of beta-hCG less than 15% in an interval of 24 h. The exclusion criteria were hepatic or renal disease and blood dyscrasias. Follow-up was by serial determinations of beta-hCG on days 4 and 7 after the beginning of the treatment, and weekly until the titers were negative. The patients were classified into 3 groups according to color Doppler: high risk (trophoblastic flow covering more than 2/3 of the mass), medium risk (when trophoblastic flow compromised 1/3 to 2/3 of tubal mass) and low risk (when trophoblastic flow covered less than 1/3 of the mass). Results: the success of the treatment with a single dose was 75% (15/20); when a second dose of MTX was used, the success rate was 85%. When comparing color Doppler with the results of the medical treatment, we had high risk in 4 patients and in all the treatment failed; medium and low risk in 16 patients, and in 15 the treatment was successful. Conclusion: color Doppler showing high risk indicated an unfavorable situation for the medical treatment with MTX, while medium and low risk in color doppler were favorable situations for the clinical treatment. However, these results should always be analyzed in association with the evolution curve of the beta-hCG titers.
Summary
Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 1999;21(3):153-157
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72031999000300006
Purpose: to evaluate the efficacy of color Doppler in the prediction of results of the systemic treatment of unruptured ectopic pregnancy with a single dose of methotrexate. Methodology: twenty patients with a diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy were included in the study. The inclusion criteria were: hemodynamic stability, adnexal mass < 5.0 cm and decline of the titers of beta-hCG less than 15% in an interval of 24 h. The exclusion criteria were hepatic or renal disease and blood dyscrasias. Follow-up was by serial determinations of beta-hCG on days 4 and 7 after the beginning of the treatment, and weekly until the titers were negative. The patients were classified into 3 groups according to color Doppler: high risk (trophoblastic flow covering more than 2/3 of the mass), medium risk (when trophoblastic flow compromised 1/3 to 2/3 of tubal mass) and low risk (when trophoblastic flow covered less than 1/3 of the mass). Results: the success of the treatment with a single dose was 75% (15/20); when a second dose of MTX was used, the success rate was 85%. When comparing color Doppler with the results of the medical treatment, we had high risk in 4 patients and in all the treatment failed; medium and low risk in 16 patients, and in 15 the treatment was successful. Conclusion: color Doppler showing high risk indicated an unfavorable situation for the medical treatment with MTX, while medium and low risk in color doppler were favorable situations for the clinical treatment. However, these results should always be analyzed in association with the evolution curve of the beta-hCG titers.
Summary
Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 1999;21(8):459-463
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72031999000800006
SUMMARY Purpose: to examine the response of the fetal heart rate (FHR) and middle cerebral artery resistance (MCA PI) to vibratory stimulation (VAS) in normal human fetuses. Methods: when the fetuses were without activity (in apnea and without corporal movements), we obtained baseline measurements of MCA PI and FHR before and after the application of a 3-sec vibratory acoustic stimulus. Real time ultrasonography with pulsed wave and color Doppler imaging was used for the execution of the study. The VAS was performed using a bicycle horn with 400 to 4000 Hz and sound pressure was 65 to 110 dB. Results: the FHR before VAS was 139 ± 3.14 bpm and after VAS was 153 ± 7.23 bpm (p<0.0001). The MCA PI rate before VAS was 1.84 ± 0.07 and after VAS was 1.56 ± 0.04 (p<0.001). In all cases we observed a fetal response with vigorous corporal movements, FHR rise and MCA PI reduction after VAS. Conclusions: we conclude that VAS, in human fetuses near term, for 3 sec as described in this study, determines some response, with increase in FHR and corporal movement and MCA PI reduction. Although we have a tendence to say that VAS determines fetal cerebral flow increase, these data do not allow such clinic interpretation.
Summary
Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 1999;21(8):459-463
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72031999000800006
SUMMARY Purpose: to examine the response of the fetal heart rate (FHR) and middle cerebral artery resistance (MCA PI) to vibratory stimulation (VAS) in normal human fetuses. Methods: when the fetuses were without activity (in apnea and without corporal movements), we obtained baseline measurements of MCA PI and FHR before and after the application of a 3-sec vibratory acoustic stimulus. Real time ultrasonography with pulsed wave and color Doppler imaging was used for the execution of the study. The VAS was performed using a bicycle horn with 400 to 4000 Hz and sound pressure was 65 to 110 dB. Results: the FHR before VAS was 139 ± 3.14 bpm and after VAS was 153 ± 7.23 bpm (p<0.0001). The MCA PI rate before VAS was 1.84 ± 0.07 and after VAS was 1.56 ± 0.04 (p<0.001). In all cases we observed a fetal response with vigorous corporal movements, FHR rise and MCA PI reduction after VAS. Conclusions: we conclude that VAS, in human fetuses near term, for 3 sec as described in this study, determines some response, with increase in FHR and corporal movement and MCA PI reduction. Although we have a tendence to say that VAS determines fetal cerebral flow increase, these data do not allow such clinic interpretation.
Summary
Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2000;22(5):265-274
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032000000500003
Purpose: this study, using verapamil, a slow calcium channel blocker, was a randomized, clinical, double blind and placebo controlled trial, whose objective was to observe if there was a uteroplacental and fetoplacental flow variation during its chronic oral use. Methods: 123 patients were accompanied: study group (n = 61), submitted to verapamil 240 mg/day and control group (n = 62), submitted to placebo. These patients were randomized into groups of four women and treatment or placebo was given for thirty days. A flow examination of the uterine arteries and umbilical artery through doppler-velocimetry was recorded. The values of resistance (RI) and pulsatility index (PI) and of the systole/diastole ratio (S/D) of the arteries were compared after the drug administration calculating means and standard deviations. Results: the verapamil group showed RI = 0.82 (0.28), PI = 1.06 (0.12) and S/D = 2.42 (0.51) in the uterine arteries. The placebo group showed RI = 0.75 (0.35), PI = 1.00 (0.18) and S/D = 2.30 (0.38). When we analyzed the umbilical artery, the verapamil group showed RI = 0.73 (0.12), PI = 1.04 (0.13) and S/D = 2.94 (0.32). The placebo group showed RI = 0.70 (0.14), PI = 1.03 (0.07) and S/D = 3.02 (0.78). The statistical analysis of the differences of the means by the F ratio showed that there was no difference between these two groups. Conclusion: this study indicates the use of verapamil for chronic hypertensive pregnants since it does not provoke damage to the uterine and fetal blood flow.
Summary
Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2000;22(5):265-274
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032000000500003
Purpose: this study, using verapamil, a slow calcium channel blocker, was a randomized, clinical, double blind and placebo controlled trial, whose objective was to observe if there was a uteroplacental and fetoplacental flow variation during its chronic oral use. Methods: 123 patients were accompanied: study group (n = 61), submitted to verapamil 240 mg/day and control group (n = 62), submitted to placebo. These patients were randomized into groups of four women and treatment or placebo was given for thirty days. A flow examination of the uterine arteries and umbilical artery through doppler-velocimetry was recorded. The values of resistance (RI) and pulsatility index (PI) and of the systole/diastole ratio (S/D) of the arteries were compared after the drug administration calculating means and standard deviations. Results: the verapamil group showed RI = 0.82 (0.28), PI = 1.06 (0.12) and S/D = 2.42 (0.51) in the uterine arteries. The placebo group showed RI = 0.75 (0.35), PI = 1.00 (0.18) and S/D = 2.30 (0.38). When we analyzed the umbilical artery, the verapamil group showed RI = 0.73 (0.12), PI = 1.04 (0.13) and S/D = 2.94 (0.32). The placebo group showed RI = 0.70 (0.14), PI = 1.03 (0.07) and S/D = 3.02 (0.78). The statistical analysis of the differences of the means by the F ratio showed that there was no difference between these two groups. Conclusion: this study indicates the use of verapamil for chronic hypertensive pregnants since it does not provoke damage to the uterine and fetal blood flow.
Summary
Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2004;26(8):641-647
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032004000800008
OBJECTIVE: to investigate whether it is possible to predict acidemia at birth in pregnancies with placental insufficiency using venous-arterial indices: pulsatility index for vein (PIV) of the ductus venosus (DV) over PI of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) and PIV of the DV over PI of the umbilical artery, and establish cut-off values for this prediction. PATIENTS AND METHODS: this was a prospective cross-sectional study involving forty-seven patients with placental insufficiency (umbilical artery resistance and pulsatility indices above the 95th percentile for gestational age) who were submitted to Dopplervelocimetry in the last 24 hours before delivery. All pregnancies were singleton, over 26 weeks of age and without structural or chromosome anomalies. Arterial cord blood was obtained for gasometry immediately after birth. Acidemia was defined as umbilical arterial pH < 7.20 in the absence of uterine contractions and pH < 7.15 in the presence of contractions. Metabolic or mixed acidemia at birth were considered pathological. A ROC curve was calculated for the venous-arterial indices: PIV DV/PI umbilical artery (UA) and PIV DV/PI MCA. A cut-off value was established and sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive and negative predictive values and positive and negative likelihood ratios were calculated. RESULTS: The DV/UA PI index was not a good predictor of acidemia at birth. The DV/MCA PI index was related to acidemia at birth (area under the curve 0,785, p = 0,004). The cut-off value was: 0,582, sensitivity 66,7%, specificity 77,1 and accuracy 74,5%. CONCLUSION: the PIV DV/PI MCA ratio is adequate for predicting acidemia at birth in pregnancies with placental insufficiency. The cut-off value was: 0,582.
Summary
Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2004;26(8):641-647
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032004000800008
OBJECTIVE: to investigate whether it is possible to predict acidemia at birth in pregnancies with placental insufficiency using venous-arterial indices: pulsatility index for vein (PIV) of the ductus venosus (DV) over PI of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) and PIV of the DV over PI of the umbilical artery, and establish cut-off values for this prediction. PATIENTS AND METHODS: this was a prospective cross-sectional study involving forty-seven patients with placental insufficiency (umbilical artery resistance and pulsatility indices above the 95th percentile for gestational age) who were submitted to Dopplervelocimetry in the last 24 hours before delivery. All pregnancies were singleton, over 26 weeks of age and without structural or chromosome anomalies. Arterial cord blood was obtained for gasometry immediately after birth. Acidemia was defined as umbilical arterial pH < 7.20 in the absence of uterine contractions and pH < 7.15 in the presence of contractions. Metabolic or mixed acidemia at birth were considered pathological. A ROC curve was calculated for the venous-arterial indices: PIV DV/PI umbilical artery (UA) and PIV DV/PI MCA. A cut-off value was established and sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive and negative predictive values and positive and negative likelihood ratios were calculated. RESULTS: The DV/UA PI index was not a good predictor of acidemia at birth. The DV/MCA PI index was related to acidemia at birth (area under the curve 0,785, p = 0,004). The cut-off value was: 0,582, sensitivity 66,7%, specificity 77,1 and accuracy 74,5%. CONCLUSION: the PIV DV/PI MCA ratio is adequate for predicting acidemia at birth in pregnancies with placental insufficiency. The cut-off value was: 0,582.
Summary
Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2000;22(6):353-363
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032000000600006
Purpose: to study the prognostic parameters for perinatal death in pregnancies with absent or reversed end-diastolic flow velocity on umbilical artery dopplervelocimetry. Methods: two hundred and four pregnancies were retrospectively reviewed. The methods used were cardiotocography, fetal biophysical profile, amniotic fluid index and dopplervelocimetry of ductus venosus, fetal aorta, middle cerebral artery, umbilical arteries and uterine artery. The logistic regression model was applied to one hundred and seventy cases in order to determine the most accurate variable for predicting perinatal death. Results: the mortality rates were: 28 cases of intrauterine fetal death (13.7%) and 45 neonatal deaths (22.1%). A statistically significant correlation was found between death and the studied variables. The perinatal death rate in the group with birth weight below 1,000 g was 74.7%, and in the group with gestational age at delivery below 31 weeks it was 66.3%. By logistic regression, birth weight was the most accurate variable for predicting perinatal death, and a probability curve for death according to this variable was obtained. Conclusions: absent or reversed end-diastolic flow velocity in the umbilical arteries is a severe fetal condition, where the risk of perinatal death is mainly related to birth weight and a gestational age at delivery below 31 weeks.
Summary
Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2000;22(6):353-363
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032000000600006
Purpose: to study the prognostic parameters for perinatal death in pregnancies with absent or reversed end-diastolic flow velocity on umbilical artery dopplervelocimetry. Methods: two hundred and four pregnancies were retrospectively reviewed. The methods used were cardiotocography, fetal biophysical profile, amniotic fluid index and dopplervelocimetry of ductus venosus, fetal aorta, middle cerebral artery, umbilical arteries and uterine artery. The logistic regression model was applied to one hundred and seventy cases in order to determine the most accurate variable for predicting perinatal death. Results: the mortality rates were: 28 cases of intrauterine fetal death (13.7%) and 45 neonatal deaths (22.1%). A statistically significant correlation was found between death and the studied variables. The perinatal death rate in the group with birth weight below 1,000 g was 74.7%, and in the group with gestational age at delivery below 31 weeks it was 66.3%. By logistic regression, birth weight was the most accurate variable for predicting perinatal death, and a probability curve for death according to this variable was obtained. Conclusions: absent or reversed end-diastolic flow velocity in the umbilical arteries is a severe fetal condition, where the risk of perinatal death is mainly related to birth weight and a gestational age at delivery below 31 weeks.
Summary
Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2003;25(3):207-210
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032003000300010
Bronchopulmonary sequestration is a mass of anomalous lung tissue, which in general does not communicate with the tracheobronchial tree and receives systemic arterial blood supply more often originating from the aorta. This is such a rare malformation, that is not always thought of as a diagnostic possibility. We present a case of bronchopulmonary sequestration and emphasize the significant role of color Doppler in its diagnosis, as it identifies the artery originating from the descending aorta irrigating the sequestration. We also present its three-dimensional ultrasound features.
Summary
Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2003;25(3):207-210
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032003000300010
Bronchopulmonary sequestration is a mass of anomalous lung tissue, which in general does not communicate with the tracheobronchial tree and receives systemic arterial blood supply more often originating from the aorta. This is such a rare malformation, that is not always thought of as a diagnostic possibility. We present a case of bronchopulmonary sequestration and emphasize the significant role of color Doppler in its diagnosis, as it identifies the artery originating from the descending aorta irrigating the sequestration. We also present its three-dimensional ultrasound features.
Summary
Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2003;25(4):261-268
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032003000400007
PURPOSE: to evaluate Doppler velocimetry of the ductus venosus as a noninvasive test of abnormal pH and gas analysis in preterm fetuses with "brain sparing reflex". METHODS: a cross-sectional study was performed. The studied population consisted of 48 pregnant women between the 25th and the 33rd week of gestation, whose fetuses presented brain sparing reflex (umbilical/cerebral ratio >1). The time elapsed between Doppler velocimetry and the birth (cesarean section under peridural anesthesia) was of up to 5 h. The following parameters were studied: S/A ratio of the ductus venosus, pH and base excess (BE) of fetal blood sample (collected from the umbilical vein immediately after birth). The S/A ratio of the ductus venosus was considered abnormal when superior to 3.6. The fetuses were classified according to the gas analysis result. They were considered abnormal when pH <7.26 and BE £ 6 mMol/L. Fisher's test was used for statistical analysis and considered significant when p £ 0.05. RESULTS: there was a significant correlation between umbilical blood gas analysis in preterm fetuses with brain sparing reflex and ductus venosus S/A ratio (p = 0.0000082; Fisher test). Ductus venosus Doppler velocimetry identified 10 of 14 fetuses with abnormal gas analysis. On the other hand, 32 of 34 fetuses with normal gas analysis were correctly identified. The sensitivity of the ductus venosus S/A ratio for the diagnosis of abnormal blood gas analysis was 71%, specificity 94%, false-negative rate 8%, false-positive rate 4%, positive predictive value 83% and negative predictive value 89%. Pretest likelihood, post-test posterior probability following a positive test result (post-test likelihood) and post-test posterior probability following a negative test result (post-test likelihood) were 31, 84 and 10%, respectively. CONCLUSION: the analysis of the ductus venosus S/A ratio is adequate for the diagnosis of abnormal blood gas analysis in preterm fetuses presenting brain sparing reflex.
Summary
Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2003;25(4):261-268
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032003000400007
PURPOSE: to evaluate Doppler velocimetry of the ductus venosus as a noninvasive test of abnormal pH and gas analysis in preterm fetuses with "brain sparing reflex". METHODS: a cross-sectional study was performed. The studied population consisted of 48 pregnant women between the 25th and the 33rd week of gestation, whose fetuses presented brain sparing reflex (umbilical/cerebral ratio >1). The time elapsed between Doppler velocimetry and the birth (cesarean section under peridural anesthesia) was of up to 5 h. The following parameters were studied: S/A ratio of the ductus venosus, pH and base excess (BE) of fetal blood sample (collected from the umbilical vein immediately after birth). The S/A ratio of the ductus venosus was considered abnormal when superior to 3.6. The fetuses were classified according to the gas analysis result. They were considered abnormal when pH <7.26 and BE £ 6 mMol/L. Fisher's test was used for statistical analysis and considered significant when p £ 0.05. RESULTS: there was a significant correlation between umbilical blood gas analysis in preterm fetuses with brain sparing reflex and ductus venosus S/A ratio (p = 0.0000082; Fisher test). Ductus venosus Doppler velocimetry identified 10 of 14 fetuses with abnormal gas analysis. On the other hand, 32 of 34 fetuses with normal gas analysis were correctly identified. The sensitivity of the ductus venosus S/A ratio for the diagnosis of abnormal blood gas analysis was 71%, specificity 94%, false-negative rate 8%, false-positive rate 4%, positive predictive value 83% and negative predictive value 89%. Pretest likelihood, post-test posterior probability following a positive test result (post-test likelihood) and post-test posterior probability following a negative test result (post-test likelihood) were 31, 84 and 10%, respectively. CONCLUSION: the analysis of the ductus venosus S/A ratio is adequate for the diagnosis of abnormal blood gas analysis in preterm fetuses presenting brain sparing reflex.
Summary
Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2000;22(9):551-555
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032000000900003
Purpose: to evaluate the evolution in the embryo heart rate in the first trimester of pregnancy. Patients and Methods: in a prospective study 206 pregnant women were evaluated in the first trimester of pregnancy, by transvaginal color Doppler sonography, using Aloka, SSD-2000 apparatus, with a 5-MHz transvaginal transducer. All examinations were performed by the same examiner, with the determination of embryo heart rate. The patients were classified into groups according to the gestational age, in half-week intervals from the 5th week of pregnancy on. Pregnancy outcome was evaluated by ultrasonography at the end of second and third trimesters. Mean and standard deviation were determined for each evaluated gestational age. Results: it was possible to determine normal values for embryo heart rate. Mean embryo heart rate showed changes with gestational age, ranging from 110 ± 14 bpm at the 6.0th week to 150 ± 12 bpm at the 14.0th week. Conclusions: transvaginal pulsed color Doppler equipment enabled cardiovascular evaluation in early pregnancy, being a noninvasive method and innocuous to the embryo. These values would be useful in new studies on dopplervelocimetry in this period of pregnancy.
Summary
Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2000;22(9):551-555
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032000000900003
Purpose: to evaluate the evolution in the embryo heart rate in the first trimester of pregnancy. Patients and Methods: in a prospective study 206 pregnant women were evaluated in the first trimester of pregnancy, by transvaginal color Doppler sonography, using Aloka, SSD-2000 apparatus, with a 5-MHz transvaginal transducer. All examinations were performed by the same examiner, with the determination of embryo heart rate. The patients were classified into groups according to the gestational age, in half-week intervals from the 5th week of pregnancy on. Pregnancy outcome was evaluated by ultrasonography at the end of second and third trimesters. Mean and standard deviation were determined for each evaluated gestational age. Results: it was possible to determine normal values for embryo heart rate. Mean embryo heart rate showed changes with gestational age, ranging from 110 ± 14 bpm at the 6.0th week to 150 ± 12 bpm at the 14.0th week. Conclusions: transvaginal pulsed color Doppler equipment enabled cardiovascular evaluation in early pregnancy, being a noninvasive method and innocuous to the embryo. These values would be useful in new studies on dopplervelocimetry in this period of pregnancy.
