PERINATOLOGIYA I PEDIATRIYA.2015.1(61):108–111;doi10.15574/PP.2015.61.108

Perinatal ultrasound evaluation of structural and functional features of the ductus venosus (review of the literature and own observations)

Zhadan O. D., Tarasyuk B. A., Lukianova I. S., Medvedenko G. F.

SI «Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Radiology NAMS of Ukraine», Kiev, Ukraine

SI «Institute of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, NAMS of Ukraine», Kiev, Ukraine

The ductus venosus has unique structural features that are not characteristic to other vessels; it is also one of three fetal communications that provide adaptation of the cardiovascular system to the intrauterine life and development. Doppler ultrasound of venous blood flow assessment allows to evaluate the state of the cardiovascular system of the fetus. On Doppler ultrasound the flow in the ductus venosus shows the changes of the venous blood volume and atrial pressure throughout the cardiac cycle. Prenatally, on Doppler ultrasound the flow in the ductus venosus has a characteristic triphasic waveform where in a normal physiological situation flow should always be in the forward direction (i.e. towards the fetal heart). According to the Doppler US surveys, there is a gradual decrease in the rate of blood flow in the ductus venosus after birth. The color and pulse Doppler flow signals in the ductus venosus showed a diphasic waveform in full term infants, reflecting the beginning of closure of the ductus venosus. Functional closure of the ductus venosus occurs during the first three weeks after birth, it transforms into a ligamentum venosum.

Key words: ductus venosus, Perinatal ultrasound evaluation, children.

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