Normal Doppler Spectral Waveforms of Major Pediatric Vessels: Specific Patterns

Abstract

Every major vessel in the human body has a characteristic flow pattern that is visible in spectral waveforms obtained in that vessel with Doppler ultrasonography (US). Spectral waveforms reflect the physiologic status of the organ supplied by the vessel, as well as the anatomic location of the vessel in relation to the heart. In addition, the waveforms may be affected by age- and development-related hemodynamic differences. For example, adults tend to have higher flow velocities, whereas neonates, particularly those born prematurely, have higher resistance to flow, especially in the cerebral and renal vascular beds. As Doppler US is performed with increasing frequency for vascular evaluation in children, the recognition of normal flow patterns has become imperative. Familiarity with the waveforms characteristic of specific veins and arteries in children is important. In addition, an understanding of the hemodynamic factors involved provides a useful basis for interpreting waveform abnormalities.

Dampening of Blood-Flow Pulsatility along the Carotid Siphon: Does Form Follow Function?

“…26 Physiologically, the measured decrease in arterial pulsatility along the carotid siphon may be meaningful for the cerebral circulation. The brain exhibits a low-resistance capillary bed, 27 for which increased arterial pulsatility may be harmful.…”

Дослідження Центральної Та Периферичної Гемодинаміки В Дітей Із Септичним Шоком За Допомогою Ехокардіографії Та Ультразвукової Допплерографії

“…Ультразвукова доп-плерографія проводилася за стандартною методи-кою з визначенням систолічної (V max ) та діастолічної (V min ) швидкостей кровотоку. Для черевного стов-бура, ниркової та верхньої брижової артерії розра-ховувався також індекс периферичного опору RI (RI = (V max -V min )/V max ) [14]. Результати дослідження регіонарного кровотоку, отримані при дослідженні пацієнтів у гострому періоді шоку та в періоді ре-конвалесценції, порівнювали між собою та робили висновок про відносні зміни показників.…”

Ultrasound Diagnosis of Congenital Brain Anomalies

“…This is particularly true when trying to differentiate subdural from subarachnoid fluid in the subarachnoid spaces (Figure 4.b.) and in any suspected vascular lesion such as a vein of Galen anomaly (Chavhan et al, 2008). Cranial US are correlated with anatomical and pathological findings and clinical outcomes.…”

“…Every major vessel in the human body has a characteristic flow pattern that is visible in spectral waveforms obtained in that vessel with Doppler US. Familiarity with the Doppler waveforms characteristic of cerebral arteries and veins in neonates is important for accurate diagnosis of brain abnormalities ( The wave forms may be affected by age-and development-related hemodynamic differences (Chavhan et al, 2008, Romagnol et al, 2006. Values of cerebral blood flow velocities progressive increase with gestation age on consequence of progressive increase cardiac output, blood pressure and closing ductus arterosus (Vasiljevic et al, 2010).…”

“…Because these arteries usually have a diameter of less than 5 mm, the spectral lines are broad and the spectral window is filled. Knowledge of normal values of cerebral blood flow velocities and Doppler indices in neonates different gestation age is important for the monitoring maturational processes and growth of the immature brain and also useful for differential diagnosis of congenital and acquired CNS anomalies in both preterm and full-term neonates (Chavhan et al, 2008;). Normal neonatal values and postnatal changes of cerebral blood flow velocities have been reported by several examiners (Deeg & Rupprecht 1989;Romagnol et al, 2006;Vasiljevic et al, 2010).…”