What is tiffa scan in pregnancy and TIFFA Stans for?

TIFFA stands for Transabdominal Inferior Vena Cava Flow Assessment, which is an ultrasound technique used to evaluate blood flow in the inferior vena cava (IVC) during pregnancy. The inferior vena cava is a large vein that carries deoxygenated blood from the lower body back to the heart.

TIFFA scan involves using an ultrasound probe to measure the diameter of the IVC and the blood flow velocity within it. It provides information about the volume of blood returning to the heart and the overall circulatory status of the pregnant woman.

TIFFA scan is performed in pregnant women to assess the risk of developing preeclampsia, a serious pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and the presence of protein in the urine. It can help identify women who are at high risk of developing preeclampsia and allow for early intervention and monitoring.

Here's a step-by-step explanation of how a TIFFA scan is performed:

Preparation: The pregnant woman is asked to lie down on an examination bed with their abdomen exposed.

Ultrasound gel application: A cold ultrasound gel is applied to the woman's abdomen to improve the transmission of ultrasound waves.

Ultrasound probe placement: The ultrasound probe is placed on the woman's abdomen, focusing on the area near the right kidney.

Measurement: The ultrasound machine generates images of the IVC, and the technician measures the diameter of the vein in different sections.

Blood flow assessment: The technician evaluates the blood flow velocity in the IVC using Doppler ultrasound. This helps determine the amount of blood returning to the heart.

Interpretation: The results of the TIFFA scan are analyzed by the doctor. Changes in the IVC diameter and blood flow velocity can indicate potential circulatory issues and risk of developing preeclampsia.

TIFFA scan is a safe and painless procedure that typically takes around 10-15 minutes to complete. It is often performed around the 24th to 26th week of pregnancy as part of routine prenatal care for high-risk pregnancies.