Doppler ultrasound study of the anterior cerebral artery in neonates.

In neonates doppler ultrasound of the anterior cerebral artery (ACA) enables cerebral haemodynamics to be studied in a non-invasive manner at the patient's bedside. The signal of the pericallosal artery is recorded through the fontanelle with a 7.5 mHz real-time probe. Two parameters are monitored: Pourcelot's resistance index and mean velocity which reflects blood flow rate. Having established normal values according to the gestational and post-natal ages, the authors describe the changes in cerebral circulation observed in such pathological situations as intraventricular haemorrhage, apnoea, patent ductus arteriosus, hydrocephalus and post-asphyxia syndrome.