Objectives: We aimed to investigate alterations in transcranial Doppler indices (TCD)
of the cerebral arteries between normotensive and preeclampsia (PE) pregnancies according
to the presence of cerebral symptoms.Study design: This cross-sectional study included
48 PE and 20 normotensive pregnancies, respectively. Doppler indices of the anterior,
middle, and posterior cerebral arteries (ACA, MCA, and PCA, respectively) were compared
between the PE and normotensive group.Main outcome measures: Mean cerebral velocity
(MCV), pulsatility index (PI), and resistance index (RI) were calculated using cerebral
velocities. The cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP), resistance area product (RAP),
and cerebral flow index (CFI) were computed using velocity and blood pressure. The
PE group was subdivided according to the presence of cerebral symptoms and the TCD
indices were compared between these groups.Results: MCV and CFI of the PCA as well
as CPP and RAP of all arteries were significantly higher, while PI and RI were significantly
lower in PE group (P < 0.05). PI of the MCA had the highest sensitivity (91.7%), while
PI of the PCA and RAP of the MCA had the highest specificity (95.0% each) for predicting
PE-related cerebral complications. The positive likelihood ratio was highest in PI
of the PCA (14.58). Among these parameters, CPP and RAP of the PCA were higher in
PE patients showing cerebral symptoms than in those without symptoms.Conclusions:
These results suggest that pregnant women with PE had altered TCD indices and that
prominent changes, thereof, especially in the PCA, contribute to the development of
cerebral symptoms.
