Color Doppler ultrasound of spiral artery blood flow in mid first trimester (4–8 weeks) in cases of threatened abortion and in normal pregnancies

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the study was to evaluate and compare the spiral artery flow in mid first trimester (4–8 weeks) in cases of threatened abortion and in normal pregnancies. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Spiral artery was sonographically evaluated in 50 patients comprising two groups of 25 women each. The first group included patients presenting with threatened miscarriage (vaginal bleeding/spotting with or without abdominal pain). The second group comprised of females who had no complications, but had no desire to continue the pregnancy. Spiral artery flow velocity measurements were performed using Color Doppler (Pulsatility Indices, Resistive Indices and Systolic/diastolic values) in mid first trimester (between 4–8 weeks of gestation), each measurement was performed twice. Statistical analysis was performed using Statistical package for social sciences software. Values were rounded off to two digits after decimal point. RESULTS: Significant differences were noted in the spiral artery Doppler values in the two groups. In particular, the Resistive Indices was higher in cases of women with threatened miscarriage. The difference in Pulsatility Indices was also statistically significant between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Doppler values of spiral artery may be used as a useful parameter in assessing the prognosis in cases presenting with threatened miscarriage.