Color Doppler twinkling artifact in intrauterine fetal demise.

PURPOSE: To determine whether twinkling artifacts on color and power Doppler sonography could be used as a new sonographic sign of intrauterine fetal demise (IUFD).

METHODS: In this prospective study, 24 consecutive pregnant women with IUFD were included after fetal sonographic examinations. Sonographic examination included gray-scale, color, power, and spectral Doppler imaging. The sonograms were then analyzed for the presence, appearance, and intensity of the twinkling artifacts.

RESULTS: Twinkling artifacts on color Doppler were observed in all of the 24 IUFD as a rapidly changing color Doppler signal complex associated persistently with different parts of the fetal body. The artifacts were localized especially in the neck, back, and iliac regions. Artifact intensity correlated with the time elapsed since death.

CONCLUSION: Twinkling artifact was noted in all dead fetuses on color, power, and spectral Doppler examinations. Thus, the observation of these artifacts may be considered as a new sonographic sign of fetal demise, which may reflect the time elapsed since death.