Abnormal Ductus Venosus Flow in First-Trimester Fetuses With Increased Nuchal Translucency

Abstract

Ductus venosus flow velocities in fetuses with increased NT are not related to a certain type of cardiac defect. This indicates that the altered ductus venosus flow velocities found in fetuses with increased NT cannot be explained by cardiac failure due to a specific altered cardiac anatomy.

Increased nuchal translucency origins from abnormal lymphatic development and is independent of the presence of a cardiac defect

“…This is supported in this study, which uses mouse models in which a variety of cardiac defects was found. This is analogous to the fact that any type of cardiac defect, both mild and severe abnormalities, are associated with increased NT . Ventricular septal defects are the most common cardiac defect related to increased NT, yet it is untenable that a ventricular septal defect causes cardiac failure in fetal life.…”

“…Abnormal ductus venosus flow velocity waveforms are also found in fetuses with normal NT, regardless of a cardiac defect . Furthermore, ductal flow velocity waveforms are not related to a specific type of cardiac defect in fetuses with increased NT . If cardiac failure causes increased NT, specific types of cardiac defects that could result in hemodynamic compromise – such as tricuspid valve insufficiency or stenosis – should be overrepresented, which is not the case .…”

First‐trimester ductus venosus velocity ratio as a marker of major cardiac defects

“…However, it should be stressed that, in the latter analysis, the authors also included the NT thickness. De Mooij et al . examined 45 fetuses with cardiac defects and increased NT.…”

Biological Effects in Diagnostic Ultrasound

“…More and earlier exams have become common, and even first-trimester DUS is frequently performed, including pulsed-Doppler interrogation of the major blood vessels and heart function (see, e.g., de Mooij et al, 2010). More and earlier exams have become common, and even first-trimester DUS is frequently performed, including pulsed-Doppler interrogation of the major blood vessels and heart function (see, e.g., de Mooij et al, 2010).…”