Abnormal ductus venosus waveforms

Last revised by Yusra Sheikh on 4 Nov 2021

Abnormal ductus venosus waveforms can arise in a number of conditions ranging from aneuploidy to vascular malformations and fetal tumors. "A wave" reversal can be seen in 5% of euploid fetuses 9.

Abnormal waveforms in fetal ductus venosus flow assessment can occur in a number of situations:

Abnormal waveforms include:

Growth restricted fetuses with abnormal ductus venosus flow have worse perinatal outcomes compared to those where the flow abnormality is confined to the umbilical or middle cerebral artery 8.

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Cases and figures

  • Figure 1: normal ductus venosus triphasic waveform
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  • Figure 2: reduction of flow in A Wave
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  • Figure 3: absent flow in A wave
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  • Figure 4: reversal of A wave
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