Normal Neonatal Brain: Color Doppler and Pulsed Doppler

Assessment of fetal cerebral arterial and venous blood flow before and after vaginal delivery or Cesarean section

“…There are a few reports in the literature describing cerebral venous blood flow velocities in the fetus and neonate8, 9, 11, 22, 23. However, this is the first study that investigates the perinatal changes of cerebral venous blood flow in infants born by vaginal delivery and Cesarean section.…”

“…However, in a more recent study it was reported that arterial oxygen saturation and carbon dioxide tension did not change significantly in newborns16. The increase in cerebral blood flow velocity at 24 h after birth depends on multiple factors and is not completely clear; the increase in arterial blood pressure, ductal closure and increase in cerebral metabolism probably play an important role11.…”

“…We observed marked changes in the flow velocity waveforms of the Tsin in response to neonatal movement and crying. Several factors including head position, sleep state, crying and feeding can affect cerebral blood flow in neonates11. Care must be taken especially when recording the venous waveforms.…”

“…More recently fetal and neonatal intracranial venous flow has been investigated8–10, but changes in perinatal cerebral venous blood flow velocity have so far not been studied. In normal neonates, color Doppler examination has enabled visualization of the intracranial venous system and establishment of normal values of flow velocities in many veins such as the superior sagittal sinus, straight sinus, transverse sinus, vein of Galen and internal cerebral veins11. We hypothesized that the fetal venous sinuses may be more sensitive to perinatal events such as increased cranial pressure, changes in blood gases and circulatory adaptation from fetal to neonatal life due to their superficial course under the skull and their different wall structure.…”

Ultrasound Diagnosis of Congenital Brain Anomalies

“…Doppler flow measurements may help to distinguish between vascular structures and non-vascular lesions. Cerebral blood flow accounts for 22%-25% of the cardiac output in neonates and 15% of that in adults (Couture, 2001). 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.…”