The MCA Doppler and its role in the evaluation of fetal anemia and fetal growth restriction.

Doppler velocimetry of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) has played a major role in fetal medicine for the last 23 years, both in intrauterine growth-restricted (IUGR) and anemic fetuses. Its utility in the diagnosis and management of cases of fetal anemia was initially demonstrated in cases of red cell alloimmunization and later extended to other types of anemia. In addition, MCA Doppler studies are crucial in the evaluation of IUGR fetuses. This article is a review of the role of the MCA in these 2 conditions.