Evaluation of right ventricular function in fetuses with hypoplastic left heart syndrome using tissue Doppler techniques

Fetal cardiac function in pregnancy affected by congenital heart disease: protocol for a multicentre prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the most common fetal malformation, and it can result first in cardiac remodeling and dysfunction and later in cardiac failure and hydrops. A limited number of studies have evaluated cardiac function in fetuses affected by CHD. Functional parameters could potentially identify fetuses at risk of cardiac failure before its development. However, these techniques have not translated from research to clinical settings, due to a lack of standardization and poor repeatability. We seek to evaluate whether application of automated techniques to a cohort with fetal pathology could overcome these factors.

METHODS

A multicenter cohort study will be carried out in eight teaching hospitals across Europe, Australia, and Middle East. Based on a previous observed standard deviation, a total sample of 381 pregnancies is required to achieve 80% power to detect a difference of 0.03 in mean myocardial performance index (MPI) with a two-sided type I error rate of 5%. After adjustments allowing for patient exclusions or incomplete datasets, a total of 330 healthy singleton pregnancies and 165 diagnosed with CHD will be recruited. Two fetal cardiac function evaluations at 19 + 6-28 + 6 and 32 + 6-36 + 6 weeks will be offered assessing automated pulsed wave doppler (PWD) MPI, spatio-temporal image correlation (STIC) annular and septal plane excursion (TAPSE, MAPSE and SAPSE), alongside cardiac morphometric and Doppler evaluations of flow across the valves. A secondary nested case-control study will evaluate fetuses with hydrops compared to those without. Differences in functional parameters between cases and controls and over time will be assessed using generalized linear mixed models. Logistic regression will estimate the association between cardiac parameters and hydrops' incidence.

DISCUSSION

This study will provide evidence as to whether automated functional parameters could be significantly different in pregnancy affected by CHD versus healthy pregnancies. The primary objective is to compare automated PWD-MPI and STIC TAPSE, MAPSE and SAPSE in fetuses affected by CHD versus healthy. The secondary objective is to estimate whether these automated parameters could improve the predictive value of the classical cardiovascular profile score in case of hydrops.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The study protocol has been registered in the ClinicalTrials.gov Protocol Registration System, identification number NCT05698277.

Perinatal Cardiac Functional Adaptation in Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome: A Longitudinal Analysis

BACKGROUND

The perinatal transition is characterized by acute changes in cardiac loading. Compared with normal newborn combined cardiac output (CCO), single right ventricular (RV) output of neonates with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) is markedly greater. The aim of this study was to examine the mechanisms of cardiac adaptation that facilitate this perinatal transition from late fetal to early neonatal life in HLHS.

METHODS

Prospectively recruited pregnancies complicated by fetal HLHS (n = 35) and healthy control subjects (Ctrl; n = 17) underwent serial echocardiography in late gestation (38 ± 1 weeks) and 6, 24, and 48 hours after birth. Cardiac function was assessed using conventional, Doppler tissue, and speckle-tracking echocardiography.

RESULTS

Term fetuses with HLHS had RV output comparable with Ctrl CCO via higher stroke volume. Compared with both left ventricular and RV indices of Ctrl, they exhibited globular and dilated right ventricles with reduced relative wall thickness (0.40 ± 0.08 vs 0.49 ± 0.10, P < .01), increased Tei index' (HLHS vs Ctrl left ventricle/Ctrl right ventricle: sphericity index, 0.9 ± 0.25 vs 0.5 ± 0.10/0.6 ± 0.11; RV area index, 28 ± 6 vs 15 ± 3/17 ± 5 cm2/m2; Tei index', 0.65 ± 0.11 vs 0.43 ± 0.07/0.45 ± 0.09; P < .0001 for all). Neonates with HLHS generated elevated RV cardiac output compared with Ctrl CCO via higher heart rate and stroke volume, with further RV dilatation, increased longitudinal systolic strain at 48 hours (-17 ± 4% vs -14 ± 3%/ 14 ± 5%) with reduced circumferential and rotational myocardial deformation and altered diastolic function. Neonates with HLHS also demonstrated right atrial enlargement with increased longitudinal strain: 6 hours (33 ± 12% vs 26 ± 6%), 24 hours (37 ± 15% vs 26 ± 13%), and 48 hours (38 ± 11% vs 24 ± 13%) (P < .0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Term fetuses with HLHS exhibit altered RV geometry and RV systolic and diastolic functional parameters. After birth, further alterations in these cardiac parameters likely reflect adaptation to acutely altered RV loading from increasing cardiac output and pulmonary artery flow demands.

Prenatal diagnosis of hypoplastic left heart syndrome: current knowledge

Hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) is characterized by underdevelopment of the left-sided heart structures. The prenatal diagnosis of this congenital heart disease is crucial because a newborn with undiagnosed HLHS often presents with clinical signs of low cardiac output once the ductus arteriosus begins to close. With that in mind, the aim of this article was to perform a non-systematic review focusing on the key ultrasound features that can be used in the prenatal diagnosis of HLHS. Severe forms of HLHS are characterized by a markedly abnormal four-chamber view of the fetal heart (small left atrium, hypoplastic left ventricle, or abnormal mitral valve). The left ventricular outflow tract view allows the degree of hypoplasia in the tract to be evaluated and the diameter of the ascending aorta to be measured. The Z-scores are intended to aid in the diagnosis and follow-up of HLHS. In mild forms of HLHS, a right ventricle/left ventricle length ratio > 1.28 was the strongest predictor of a univentricular outcome.

Evaluation of right ventricular myocardial deformation properties in fetal hypoplastic left heart by two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography

PURPOSE

Right ventricular (RV) function influences the outcome of hypoplastic left heart (HLH) patients. This study aimed to confirm the assumption of prenatal RV remodeling and possible influencing factors of myocardial restructuring using two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2D STE).

METHODS

This is a retrospective cross-sectional cohort study including HLH fetuses and gestational age-matched controls. Based on a four-chamber view, cine loops were stored with 60 frames per second. Global longitudinal peak systolic strain (GLPSS) of the RV was retrospectively determined and compared to healthy controls. Furthermore, HLH subgroups were built according to the presence of left ventricular endocardial fibroelastosis (LV-EFE) and restrictive foramen ovale (FO) to investigate the effect of these compromising factors on myocardial deformation.

RESULTS

A total of 41 HLH fetuses and 101 controls were included. Gestational age at fetal assessment was similarly distributed in both groups (controls: 26.0 ± 5.6 weeks vs. HLH: 29.1 ± 5.6 weeks). Relating to RV-GLPSS values, fetuses with HLH demonstrated lower mean values than healthy control fetuses (- 15.65% vs. - 16.80%, p = 0.065). Cases with LV-EFE (n = 11) showed significantly lower mean values compared to such without LV-EFE (n = 30) (RV-GLPSS: - 12.12% vs. - 16.52%, p = 0.003). No significant differences were observed for cases with FO restriction (n = 10).

CONCLUSIONS

In HLH the RV undergoes prenatal remodeling, leading to an adaptation of myocardial function to LV conditions. Further explorations by STE should expand knowledge about RV contraction properties in HLH and its impact on surgical outcome.

Initial fetal to initial postnatal echocardiogram in uncomplicated atrioventricular septal defects: Do significant changes occur?

BACKGROUND

Yield of serial echocardiography in fetuses with atrioventricular septal defects (fAVSD) has not been well defined. The goal of this study was to document if any major changes occurred from initial fetal to initial postnatal echocardiogram in uncomplicated fAVSD.

METHODS

fAVSD were excluded if initial fetal scan documented complex CHD or any concerns. Changes in ventricular function, valvular regurgitation, or diagnosis between first fetal and first postnatal echocardiogram were recorded.

RESULTS

Fifty-seven fAVSD met criteria. Ninety-six fetal echocardiograms were done in 57 patients. Initial fetal scan was performed at 24.3 ± 3.7 weeks of estimated gestational age. All fAVSD had normal function, 38 had no atrioventricular valve regurgitation (AVVR), and 19 had mild AVVR. First postnatal echocardiogram was performed at 6.3 ± 15.3 days. Fifty-six patients had normal function, 1 patient had mild dysfunction, 16 patients had no AVVR, 36 had mild AVVR, and 5 had moderate AVVR. Three patients (5%) had an improvement in AVVR by one degree, 27 patients (47%) had no change in AVVR, 24 patients (42%) had an increase in AVVR by one degree, and 3 patients (5%) had an increase in AVVR by two degrees. There was no major missed anatomical diagnosis from first prenatal to first postnatal echocardiogram.

CONCLUSION

In fAVSD that had no concerns on their initial fetal echocardiogram, the majority of patients had no major changes noted between their initial fetal echocardiogram and their first postnatal echocardiogram. Repeat fetal echocardiograms may not necessarily be needed in this cohort of patients.

Serial fetal echocardiograms in hypoplastic left heart syndrome fetuses: Does it affect immediate post-natal care?

Guidelines recommend serial fetal echocardiograms when congenital heart disease is diagnosed. Necessity, timing, and frequency of serial echocardiograms are based on clinical judgment. Fetuses with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (fHLHS) may undergo multiple studies prior to birth. Goal of this study was to determine if the need for unexpected, emergent cardiac interventions were required immediately post-natally, if there were no concerns on initial fetal echocardiogram.

METHODS

Fetal echocardiograms performed between 2006 and 2018 on fHLHS were reviewed. fHLHS were excluded if initial fetal scan documented any other concerns. Unexpected, emergent catheterization or surgical procedures, intubation, or inotropic support within the first 72 h of life were recorded.

RESULTS

Total of 80 fHLHS were reviewed. Thirty-two fHLHS were excluded because of concerns on the initial fetal echocardiogram. Sixteen fHLHS had one scan, 14 had two scans, 13 had three scans, and 5 had four scans. No patient underwent an unexpected, emergent catheterization or surgical procedure within the first 72 h of life. Seven patients required intubation and 1 patient received inotropic support within the first 72 h of life.

CONCLUSION

No fHLHS underwent an unexpected, emergent catheterization or surgical procedure within the first 72 h of life if the initial fetal echocardiogram had no significant concerns. Medical interventions did occur immediately post-natally, but could not be directly attributed to a missed fetal cardiac diagnosis. Frequent serial fetal echocardiograms may not necessarily be needed to predict the need for an unexpected, emergent procedure.

New Aspects in the Diagnosis and Therapy of Fetal Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome

Fetal hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) is a severe congenital heart disease with a lethal prognosis without postnatal therapeutic intervention or surgery. The aim of this article is to give a brief overview of new findings in the field of prenatal diagnosis and the therapy of HLHS. As cardiac output in HLHS children depends on the right ventricle (RV), prenatal assessment of fetal RV function is of interest to predict poor functional RV status before the RV becomes the systemic ventricle. Prenatal cardiac interventions such as fetal aortic valvuloplasty and non-invasive procedures such as maternal hyperoxygenation seem to be promising treatment options but will need to be evaluated with regard to long-term outcomes. Novel approaches such as stem cell therapy or neuroprotection provide important clues about the complexity of the disease. New aspects in diagnostics and therapy of HLHS show the potential of a targeted prenatal treatment planning. This could be used to optimize parental counseling as well as pre- and postnatal management of affected children.

Myocardial function in fetuses with lower urinary tract obstruction: Is there a cardiac remodeling effect due to renal damage?

OBJECTIVES

Cardiac remodeling due to renal dysfunction may have an impact on myocardial function (MF) of fetuses with lower urinary tract obstruction (LUTO). The aim was to identify possible differences in MF in LUTO fetuses compared with healthy controls and to look for interactions between urine biochemistry and MF indices.

METHODS

This is a cohort study consisting of 31 LUTO fetuses and 45 healthy controls. Subgroups were generated according to intrauterine therapy (group 1: LUTO after therapy, group 2: LUTO without therapy at the time of examination, and group 3: controls). MF indices were measured using pulsed wave tissue Doppler imaging and M-mode. Furthermore, results of fetal urine biochemistry were gathered retrospectively.

RESULTS

Among other findings, right ventricular (RV) e'/a' ratio was lower in group 1 compared with group 3 (p = .050). According to gestational age (GA) level-dependent analysis, RV isovolumetric relaxation time was significantly longer in group 2 compared with group 1 and group 3 at GA level 1 (19 wk of gestation). A significant positive correlation between RV e'/a' ratio and β-2-microglobulin as well as α-1-microglobulin and potassium could be observed.

CONCLUSION

We observed differences in MF and an association between ventricular filling pattern and renal protein secretion in LUTO fetuses. This can be interpreted as a sign of intrauterine cardiac remodeling.

Z-Score Reference Ranges for Fetal Heart Functional Measurements in a Large Brazilian Pregnant Women Sample

The objective of this study was to determine the reference values for fetal heart functional measurements at 24 and 34 weeks of gestation and to develop Z-score equations for all measurements. A single-center, prospective, cross-sectional study with normal fetuses between 24 and 34 weeks of gestation was performed. All pregnant women underwent a comprehensive fetal Doppler echocardiogram with anatomical and functional analysis. Measurements of left and right cardiac output, combined cardiac output, mitral and tricuspid valve flow, inferior vena cava flow, and pulmonary vein flow were performed. The Shapiro-Wilk test and histogram evaluation were performed on all variables. Linear regression was used to assess the relationships between measurements and gestational age. A total of 612 pregnant women with singleton and normal fetuses were included. We assessed the reference values and percentiles of cardiac function as a function of gestational age. The variables that were not normally distributed were subjected to logarithmic or square root transformation. Eleven Z-score equations were developed, with equations for left and right ventricle output and combined cardiac output that were dependent on gestational age and with other equations that were independent of gestational age. The present study produced a large database, allowing the demonstration of reference values and percentiles as well as the development of Z-score equations to facilitate the echocardiographic evaluation of fetal heart function.

Segmental Myocardial Displacement and Tissue Velocity Analysis of the Right Ventricle in Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome Fetuses and Controls Using Color Tissue Doppler Imaging (C-TDI)

Introduction: The long-term outcome of patients with HLHS (hypoplastic left heart syndrome) is mainly determined by right ventricular function. Our study examines, whether there are differences in segmental right ventricular myocardial displacement and tissue velocities of fetuses with HLHS compared to healthy fetuses during gestation. Materials and methods: A prospective study was conducted including 20 fetuses with HLHS and 20 gestational age matched controls. c-TDI (colour tissue Doppler imaging) derived systolic and diastolic velocities as well as myocardial displacement were assessed in three different locations of the right ventricle (RV). A ROI (region of interest) was placed in the basal, middle and apical part of the myocardium. Possible changes of c-TDI indices in the course of pregnancy and between the three different segments were investigated in both groups. Results: HLHS fetuses showed significantly lower e' velocities measured in the basal and middle part of the RV compared to healthy controls (p < 0.05). Basal displacement showed significantly lower values in HLHS fetuses compared to controls. In control fetuses but not in HLHS fetuses there was a significant increase of basal diastolic velocities and displacement in the course of pregnancy. According to myocardial velocities and displacement values there was a significant decrease from the base of the fetal heart to the apex pointed in both groups. Conclusions: An altered right ventricular myocardial function in HLHS fetuses within different myocardial segments could be demonstrated. An apicobasal gradient with higher velocity and displacement values in the basal part of RV myocardium could be found in both groups. The technique may be of value in the prenatal assessment of myocardial function, however its role as a monitoring tool and outcome predictor needs to be defined.

Novel Technique for Measurement of Fetal Right Myocardial Performance Index Using Dual Gate Pulsed-Wave Doppler

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the reproducibility of the fetal right myocardial performance index determined by simultaneous recording of inflow and outflow using a dual gate pulsed-wave Doppler (DD).

METHODS

This was a prospective study of 39 normal singleton fetuses. Two experienced operators each measured the right myocardial performance index in three ways, twice: (1) separate recording of the inflow and outflow using single-gate pulsed-wave Doppler (PD), (2) simultaneous recordings of the inflow and outflow using tissue Doppler (TD), and (3) simultaneous recordings of the inflow and outflow using DD. Intra- and interoperator reproducibility were assessed with intraclass correlation coefficients. The measurements from all three methods taken by the more experienced operator were compared using Bland-Altman plots and mean differences.

RESULTS

For both operators, intra-operator reproducibility was the highest when using DD, followed by PD, and TD. Interoperator agreement was the highest for PD measurements, followed by DD, and TD. The smallest mean difference was between the PD and DD measurements by the more experienced operator. There was a positive correlation between PD and DD values (r = 0.369, P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Dual gate pulsed-wave Doppler may be an effective alternative to the PD or TD methods, and can separately evaluate systolic and diastolic myocardial function.

Feasibility and Reproducibility of Two-Dimensional Wall Motion Tracking (WMT) in Fetal Echocardiography

Objective The primary objective of this study was to determine the feasibility and reproducibility of 2-dimensional speckle tracking imaging based on the wall motion tracking (WMT) technique in fetal echocardiography. The secondary objective was to compare left and right ventricular global and segmental longitudinal peak strain values. Methods A prospective cross-sectional study was performed. Global and segmental longitudinal peak strain values of the left ventricle (LV) and right ventricle (RV) were assessed prospectively. Based on apical 4-chamber views, cine loops were acquired and digitally stored. Strain analysis was performed offline. Intra- and interobserver variabilities were analyzed. Results A total of 29 healthy fetuses with an echocardiogram performed between 19 and 37 weeks of gestation were included. Analysis was performed with a temporal resolution of 60 frames per second (fps). For both examiners, in all cases Cronbach's alpha was>0.7. The interobserver variability showed a strong agreement in 50% of the segments (ICC 0.71-0.90). The global strain values for LV and RV were -16.34 and -14.65%, respectively. Segmental strain analysis revealed a basis to apex gradient with the lowest strain values in basal segments and the highest strain values in apical segments. Conclusion The assessment of fetal myocardial deformation parameters by 2D WMT is technically feasible with good reproducibility.

Right Heart Function of Fetuses and Infants with Large Ventricular Septal Defect: A Longitudinal Case-Control Study

The objective of this study was to detect the effect of a large ventricular septal defect (VSD) on right ventricular function before and after birth. All consecutive children with large VSD who were born in our hospital between January 2013-February 2016 and followed up throughout early infancy, and who lacked malformations or chromosomal abnormalities, were identified by a retrospective review of the medical records and included in this retrospective longitudinal case-control study (n = 30). Thirty normal control cases with an equivalent gestational age and gender served as controls. Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), right ventricle (RV) Tei index, and tricuspid E/E _m were measured in the fetal, neonatal (day 1-28), and infant (day 29-70) periods. In all periods, the VSD and control groups did not differ in TAPSE values, but VSD associated with higher Tei indices and tricuspid E/E _m values (in the fetal period: VSD group RV Tei was 0.48 ± 0.12 and E/E _m was 11.84 ± 1.53, control group RV Tei was 0.42 ± 0.16 and E/E _m was 10.16 ± 1.61; in neonatal period: VSD group RV Tei was 0.41 ± 0.17 and E/E _m was 12.21 ± 1.59, control group RV Tei was 0.30 ± 0.13 and E/E _m was 7.20 ± 1.28; in the infant period: VSD group RV Tei was 0.39 ± 0.09 and E/E _m was 11.89 ± 2.80, control group RV Tei was 0.28 ± 0.12 and E/E _m was 5.26 ± 1.90, all p < 0.05). In the fetal and neonatal periods, TAPSE correlated negatively with Tei index and tricuspid E/E _m in both groups. However, in the infant period, only the control group exhibited correlations between TAPSE and Tei index or tricuspid E/E _m. Tei index correlated positively with tricuspid E/E _m in both groups in all three periods. The VSD group had smaller correlation coefficients than the control group. Large VSD may already start to impair RV diastolic and global function before birth. This impairment continued and increased after birth. These changes did not associate with obvious RV longitudinal systolic function impairment. Large VSD mainly affected RV function by decreasing diastolic function and myocardial performance.

Evaluation of right ventricular function in fetal hypoplastic left heart syndrome by color tissue Doppler imaging

OBJECTIVE

Postnatal outcome of fetuses with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) is determined mainly by right ventricular function. Our study examines whether there are differences in right ventricular function during gestation of fetuses with HLHS compared with healthy fetuses.

METHODS

A prospective study was conducted including 20 fetuses with HLHS and 20 gestational age-matched controls. Peak systolic and diastolic right ventricular free wall velocities were assessed using color tissue Doppler imaging (c-TDI). Subsequently, isovolumic time intervals, ejection time (ET'), E'/A' ratio and tissue Doppler-derived myocardial performance index (MPI') were calculated. Possible changes to c-TDI indices during the course of pregnancy in both the HLHS group and the control group were investigated.

RESULTS

Examination of right ventricular function revealed significantly lower E' velocities (13.6 vs 21.0 cm/s; P = 0.017) and E'/A' ratios (0.55 vs 0.76; P = 0.012) and prolonged isovolumic contraction time (ICT') (57.0 vs 45.7 ms; P = 0.008) in the HLHS group compared with healthy fetuses. Furthermore, isovolumic relaxation time and MPI' increased significantly with gestational age in HLHS fetuses but not in controls. Values for systolic and diastolic peak velocities (E', A', S'), ET' and ICT' did not change significantly during gestation in either group.

CONCLUSION

Right ventricular function in HLHS is altered as early as in fetal life, well before palliative surgery is performed. Future research should provide further insight into ventricular remodeling during gestation in cases of HLHS. Copyright © 2015 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Evaluation of right ventricular function in fetal hypoplastic left heart syndrome using spatio-temporal image correlation (STIC)

Background

Postnatal outcome of fetuses with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) is mainly determined by right ventricular function. In the present study we used spatio-temporal image correlation (STIC) to assess right ventricular function of fetuses with HLHS.

Methods

Three-dimensional ultrasound with STIC technique was used to acquire heart images from fetuses that had HLHS and the normal controls, between 24⁺⁰ and 37⁺⁶ weeks of gestation. Right ventricular end-diastolic volume (RVEDV) and right ventricular end-systolic volume (RVESV) were determined using the virtual organ computer-aided analysis software, and the parameters of right ventricular function were calculated.

Results

Both RVEDV and RVESV were found to be significantly higher in fetuses with HLHS as compared to that in normal controls (P < 0.001). There were no significant differences in the parameters between fetuses with and without a visible left ventricular cavity (P > 0.05). Compared to fetuses with HLHS plus mild tricuspid regurgitation (TR), fetuses with HLHS plus severe TR exhibited lower right ventricular stroke volume (RVSV), right ventricular cardiac output (RVCO) and standardized RVCO (P < 0.05). The right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF) was significantly lower in HLHS fetuses that had severe TR (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

As the right ventricle is solely responsible for maintenance of circulation, the right ventricular systolic function undergoes compensatory enhancement in fetuses with HLHS and mild TR, compared to that in normal controls. Size of the left ventricle does not significantly affect the right ventricular function in HLHS. However, right ventricular systolic function may be impaired prenatally in HLHS fetuses that have severe TR.