True/False MCQ · Doppler Ultrasound and Placental Insufficiency
Regarding umbilical artery Doppler in the surveillance of placental disease, which of the following statements are TRUE?
- AIn a healthy pregnancy, end-diastolic flow decreases as gestation advances
- BAbnormal umbilical artery Doppler is a marker of uteroplacental insufficiency
- CIt is primarily used to diagnose fetal cardiac malformations
- DReversed end-diastolic flow is a sign of severe placental compromise
- EAbsent end-diastolic flow is a normal third-trimester finding
Show answers and explanation
- A. False: End-diastolic flow normally increases with gestation as placental resistance falls.
- B. True
- C. False: Fetal cardiac malformations are assessed by echocardiography, not umbilical artery Doppler.
- D. True
- E. False: Absent end-diastolic flow is abnormal at any gestation.
Umbilical artery Doppler
Umbilical artery Doppler assesses downstream placental resistance and is central to surveillance of the growth-restricted or pre-eclamptic pregnancy.
Key points
- Abnormal Doppler marks uteroplacental insufficiency and predicts growth restriction.
- Normally, end-diastolic flow increases with gestation as placental resistance falls.
- Deterioration runs reduced then absent then reversed end-diastolic flow; reversal is severe.
Why A is false
End-diastolic flow normally increases, not decreases, with advancing gestation.
Why B is true
Abnormal umbilical artery Doppler indicates uteroplacental insufficiency.
Why C is false
Cardiac malformations are assessed by fetal echocardiography, not umbilical artery Doppler.
Why D is true
Reversed end-diastolic flow indicates severe compromise.
Why E is false
Absent end-diastolic flow is abnormal, not a normal third-trimester finding.
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