The blood flow velocity waveform in the fetal internal carotid artery in the presence of hydrocephaly

Abstract

The pulsatility index in the fetal internal carotid artery was studied in the presence of bilateral symmetrical hydrocephaly ( n = 9) and unilateral hydrocephaly ( n = 4). An elevated pulsatility index was demonstrated in five cases (38.5%) suggesting increased resistance to cerebral blood flow. In unilateral hydrocephaly a marked difference in pulsatility index was established between the normal and affected side. No relation could be established between the pulsatility index level and severity of ventriculomegaly or postnatal outcome. Both ventriculomegaly and increased intracranial pressure may play a role in the observed rise in pulsatility index.