The maximum systolic velocity increases in middle cerebral artery of normal fetus from 22nd to 38th week of gestation

Abstract

To assess peak systolic velocity values in middle cerebral artery (PSMCA) of normal fetuses from 22nd to 38th week of gestation. We made a prospective study of 33 healthy fetuses from 22nd to 38th to determine peak systolic velocity by Doppler velocimetry. Doppler ultrasound was performed by a single observer, always using the same apparatus. The Doppler tracing was obtained with a sample volume of 1 mm; placement was on the anterior middle cerebral artery, as close as possible to the skullcap. The insonation angle was kept below 20 degrees and the wall filter was adjusted to a frequency of 50-100 Hz. The PSMCA increases from 26.3 cm/s to 57.7 cm/s in middle cerebral artery from 22nd to 38th week of gestation (p < 0.05). There was a significant positive correlation between PSMCA and the gestational values (p < 0.001, r2 = 60.5%). In normal fetuses, the PSMCA increases from 22nd to 38th week of gestation. The Doppler velocimetry values for normal fetuses could be compared with those obtained during fetal anemia.