middle cerebral artery Doppler
Also written as: MCA — Middle Cerebral Artery
Ultrasound assessment of fetal brain blood flow to detect anemia and growth restriction.
Full Definition
Middle cerebral artery (MCA) Doppler is a specialized ultrasound technique that measures blood flow velocity in the fetal middle cerebral artery, primarily used to detect fetal anemia and assess fetal well-being. The peak systolic velocity (PSV) is the key measurement, with elevated values indicating fetal anemia, often due to hemolytic disease or fetomaternal hemorrhage. MCA Doppler is particularly valuable in managing pregnancies complicated by red cell alloimmunization, allowing non-invasive monitoring and timing of interventions. The cerebroplacental ratio, calculated by dividing MCA pulsatility index by umbilical artery pulsatility index, can also indicate placental insufficiency.
Usage
Usage note: MCA acceptable as abbreviation; Doppler capitalized when referring to technique.
In Context
- "Middle cerebral artery Doppler showed peak systolic velocity above the 1.5 MoM threshold, suggesting fetal anemia." — Ultrasound report
- "Serial MCA Doppler studies were performed to monitor for fetal anemia in this pregnancy complicated by anti-D alloimmunization." — High-risk pregnancy surveillance