The examination of superior mesenteric artery circulation in fetus during pregnancy

Objective: The aim of the study was a comprehensive examination of the circulation of superior mesenteric artery in different weeks of pregnancy using Doppler ultrasound examination.

Methods: The study was conducted at the Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Slovakia between the years 2008 and 2012. Dynamics and changes in superior mesenteric artery circulation were studied in 856 women. Results of Doppler examination were processed and subsequently evaluated for each gestational week separately.

Results: We found that changes in resistance index of superior mesenteric artery are slower and have a tendency to decrease as a consequence of a gradual decrease in vascular resistance. The changes in pulsatility index are different in nature; there is a tendency for there are to be repeating periods of higher and then lower values, which are subject to a more pronounced dependence on flow rate, especially end diastolic velocity, and Vmean.

Conclusions: This article and its results bring a new, comprehensive view not only of physiological changes in the splanchnic circulation, but also of changes that may be subject to a certain extent, not only to the sex, but primarily to the weight of the fetus, which, of course, indirectly reflects its metabolic and respiratory demands.