Advanced dynamic flow - a new method of vascular Imaging in prenatal medicine. A pilot study of its applicability

Introduction: Vascular imaging by means of colour Doppler sonography is an established method in prenatal diagnostics, especially in fetal echocardiography. In recent years, new techniques for the imaging of vessels have been developed, attaining B-scan quality. One example of such techniques is the Advanced Dynamic Flow. The goal of the study was the comparison of the practical application of ADF under routine conditions with the established colour Doppler method, on the same machine. Aim of the study: Comparison of conventional colour Doppler sonography with Advanced Dynamic Flow. Study design: a prospective, systematic study. Patients and Method: We used a representative cross-section through the fetal vessels and also carried out complete fetal echocardiography. Between January 1(st), 2002 and December 31(st), 2002, 100 pregnant women between the 12(th) to 40(th) gestational week were examined. Results: The success rate for visualisation of blood flow was the same or higher for Advanced Dynamic Flow in all areas, compared with conventional colour Doppler. These results could also be achieved in fetal echocardiography. Conclusion: The Advanced Dynamic Flow technique is a new method for vascular imaging with B-scan quality. It offers high resolution, good lateral discrimination and high sensitivity. The present prospective study has demonstrated that ADF achieves better vascular imaging than conventional colour Doppler sonography. The fact that ADF offers an almost three-dimensional imaging of vessels is particularly valuable. The ease of use of the ADF technique qualifies this method as a serious alternative to conventional colour Doppler sonography.