First-trimester reversed end-diastolic flow in the umbilical artery is not always an ominous sign

Abstract

We report five cases of first-trimester reversed end-diastolic flow in the umbilical artery. Diagnoses were performed between 8 and 12 gestational weeks. All but one case appeared as a transient early finding. Second-trimester fetal demise occurred in two cases. One case delivered at 32 weeks with severe growth restriction but recovered well. The other two cases had a good pregnancy outcome. Our experience suggests that this early Doppler finding is not always an ominous sign. Copyright © 2003 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.