Assessment of Doppler Parameters of Blood Flow in A. Pericallosa in Newborns with Hydrocephalus before and after Drainage Procedure

Overview

Objective:
The evaluation of selected parameters of brain circulation in newborns with hydrocephalus before and after drainage procedure by transcranial Doppler sonography.

Patients and methods:
The parameters of Doppler curve in a. pericallosa were compared in the group of 15 newborns (11 boys, 4 girls).

Results:
The comparison of Doppler parameters before and after drainage operation showed the changes in values of RI 0.87 ± 0.10 vs. 0.66 ± 0.07 (p <0.0001) and Vend 5.08 ± 4.40 cm/s vs. 13.54 ± 6.12 cm/s (p <0.0001). The values of Vsyst 38.24 ± 10.83 cm/s vs. 38.87 ± 14.91 cm/s were not changed (p >0.05). In an assessment of morphological changes the authors found significant decrease in the size of lateral ventricles (p <0.01) and also third ventricle (p <0.0001) after drainage procedure.

Conclusion:
The significant decrease of RI was presented in newborns with hydrocephalus after successful drainage procedure and it was caused by increased end-diastolic flow velocity (Vend) without change in peak systolic flow velocity (Vsyst). The observed values of parameters of Doppler curve in a. pericallosa were in normal range after drainage procedure. Method is applicable to monitoring of effectiveness of surgical intervention.

Key words:
newborn, hydrocephalus, Doppler sonography