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Fricke K, Ryd D, Weismann CG, Hanséus K, Hedström E, Liuba P. Fetal cardiac magnetic resonance imaging of the descending aorta in suspected left-sided cardiac obstructions. Front Cardiovasc Med 2023; 10:1285391. [PMID: 38107261 PMCID: PMC10725198 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2023.1285391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Severe left-sided cardiac obstructions are associated with high morbidity and mortality if not detected in time. The correct prenatal diagnosis of coarctation of the aorta (CoA) is difficult. Fetal cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) may improve the prenatal diagnosis of complex congenital heart defects. Flow measurements in the ascending aorta could aid in predicting postnatal CoA, but its accurate visualization is challenging. Objectives To compare the flow in the descending aorta (DAo) and umbilical vein (UV) in fetuses with suspected left-sided cardiac obstructions with and without the need for postnatal intervention and healthy controls by fetal phase-contrast CMR flow. A second objective was to determine if adding fetal CMR to echocardiography (echo) improves the fetal CoA diagnosis. Methods Prospective fetal CMR phase-contrast flow in the DAo and UV and echo studies were conducted between 2017 and 2022. Results A total of 46 fetuses with suspected left-sided cardiac obstructions [11 hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS), five critical aortic stenosis (cAS), and 30 CoA] and five controls were included. Neonatal interventions for left-sided cardiac obstructions (n = 23) or comfort care (n = 1 with HLHS) were pursued in all 16 fetuses with suspected HLHS or cAS and in eight (27%) fetuses with true CoA. DAo or UV flow was not different in fetuses with and without need of intervention. However, DAo and UV flows were lower in fetuses with either retrograde isthmic systolic flow [DAo flow 253 (72) vs. 261 (97) ml/kg/min, p = 0.035; UV flow 113 (75) vs. 161 (81) ml/kg/min, p = 0.04] or with suspected CoA and restrictive atrial septum [DAo flow 200 (71) vs. 268 (94) ml/kg/min, p = 0.04; UV flow 89 vs. 159 (76) ml/kg/min, p = 0.04] as well as in those without these changes. Adding fetal CMR to fetal echo predictors for postnatal CoA did not improve the diagnosis of CoA. Conclusion Fetal CMR-derived DAo and UV flow measurements do not improve the prenatal diagnosis of left-sided cardiac obstructions, but they could be important in identifying fetuses with a more severe decrease in blood flow across the left side of the heart. The physiological explanation may be a markedly decreased left ventricular cardiac output with subsequent retrograde systolic isthmic flow and decreased total DAo flow.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrin Fricke
- Cardiology, Pediatric Heart Center, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
- Pediatrics, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Daniel Ryd
- Clinical Physiology, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | - Constance G. Weismann
- Cardiology, Pediatric Heart Center, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
- Pediatrics, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology and Pediatric Intensive Care, Ludwig-Maximilian University, Munich, Germany
| | - Katarina Hanséus
- Cardiology, Pediatric Heart Center, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | - Erik Hedström
- Clinical Physiology, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
- Diagnostic Radiology, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | - Petru Liuba
- Cardiology, Pediatric Heart Center, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
- Pediatrics, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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Jost E, Kosian P, Jimenez Cruz J, Albarqouni S, Gembruch U, Strizek B, Recker F. Evolving the Era of 5D Ultrasound? A Systematic Literature Review on the Applications for Artificial Intelligence Ultrasound Imaging in Obstetrics and Gynecology. J Clin Med 2023; 12:6833. [PMID: 37959298 PMCID: PMC10649694 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12216833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Artificial intelligence (AI) has gained prominence in medical imaging, particularly in obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN), where ultrasound (US) is the preferred method. It is considered cost effective and easily accessible but is time consuming and hindered by the need for specialized training. To overcome these limitations, AI models have been proposed for automated plane acquisition, anatomical measurements, and pathology detection. This study aims to overview recent literature on AI applications in OB/GYN US imaging, highlighting their benefits and limitations. For the methodology, a systematic literature search was performed in the PubMed and Cochrane Library databases. Matching abstracts were screened based on the PICOS (Participants, Intervention or Exposure, Comparison, Outcome, Study type) scheme. Articles with full text copies were distributed to the sections of OB/GYN and their research topics. As a result, this review includes 189 articles published from 1994 to 2023. Among these, 148 focus on obstetrics and 41 on gynecology. AI-assisted US applications span fetal biometry, echocardiography, or neurosonography, as well as the identification of adnexal and breast masses, and assessment of the endometrium and pelvic floor. To conclude, the applications for AI-assisted US in OB/GYN are abundant, especially in the subspecialty of obstetrics. However, while most studies focus on common application fields such as fetal biometry, this review outlines emerging and still experimental fields to promote further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Jost
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Bonn, Venusberg Campus 1, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Philipp Kosian
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Bonn, Venusberg Campus 1, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Jorge Jimenez Cruz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Bonn, Venusberg Campus 1, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Shadi Albarqouni
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Bonn, Venusberg Campus 1, 53127 Bonn, Germany
- Helmholtz AI, Helmholtz Munich, Ingolstädter Landstraße 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Ulrich Gembruch
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Bonn, Venusberg Campus 1, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Brigitte Strizek
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Bonn, Venusberg Campus 1, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Florian Recker
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Bonn, Venusberg Campus 1, 53127 Bonn, Germany
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Enzensberger C, Graupner O, Fischer S, Meister M, Reitz M, Götte M, Müller V, Wolter A, Herrmann J, Axt-Fliedner R. Evaluation of right ventricular myocardial deformation properties in fetal hypoplastic left heart by two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2023; 307:699-708. [PMID: 36759358 PMCID: PMC9984504 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-022-06857-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Enzensberger
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Aachen, RWTH University, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany.
| | - Oliver Graupner
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Aachen, RWTH University, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
- Departement of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Rechts der Isar, Technical University, Munich, Germany
| | - Stefanie Fischer
- Division of Prenatal Medicine, Departement of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Markus Meister
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Aachen, RWTH University, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Maleen Reitz
- Division of Prenatal Medicine, Departement of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Malena Götte
- Division of Prenatal Medicine, Departement of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Vera Müller
- Division of Prenatal Medicine, Departement of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Aline Wolter
- Division of Prenatal Medicine, Departement of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | | | - Roland Axt-Fliedner
- Division of Prenatal Medicine, Departement of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
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Evaluation of Right Ventricular Function and Myocardial Microstructure in Fetal Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11154456. [PMID: 35956075 PMCID: PMC9369849 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11154456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Right ventricular (RV) function is one of the critical factors affecting the prognosis of fetuses with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS). Our study objectives included assessment of cardiac function and comprehensive measurement of cardiac microstructure. We retrospectively studied 42 fetuses diagnosed as HLHS by echocardiography. Myocardial deformation of the right ventricular wall was calculated automatically in offline software. Postmortem cardiac imaging for three control fetal hearts and four HLHS specimens was performed by a 9.4T DTI scanner. Myocardial deformation parameters of the RV (including strain, strain rate, and velocity) were significantly lower in HLHS fetuses (all p < 0.01). FA values increased (0.18 ± 0.01 vs. 0.21 ± 0.02; p < 0.01) in HLHS fetuses, but MD reduced (1.3 ± 0.15 vs. 0.88 ± 0.13; p < 0.001). The HLHS fetuses’ RV lateral base wall (−7.31 ± 51.91 vs. −6.85 ± 31.34; p = 0.25), middle wall (1.71 ± 50.92 vs. −9.38 ± 28.18; p < 0.001), and apical wall (−6.19 ± 46.61 vs. −11.16 ± 29.86, p < 0.001) had HA gradient ascent but HA gradient descent in the anteroseptal wall (p < 0.001) and inferoseptal wall (p < 0.001). RV basal lateral wall HA degrees were correlated with RVGLS (R2 = 0.97, p = 0.02). MD values were positively correlated with RVGLS (R2 = 0.93, p = 0.04). Our study found morphological and functional changes of the RV in HLHS fetuses, and cardiac function was related to the orientation patterns of myocardial fibers. It may provide insight into understanding the underlying mechanisms of impaired RV performance in HLHS.
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Wilkes JK, Doan TT, Morris SA, Altman CA, Ayres NA, Schoppe L, Nguyen M, Pignatelli R, Furtun BY. Right Ventricular Global Longitudinal Strain in Fetuses with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome Does Not Differ Between Those With and Without Genetic Conditions. Pediatr Cardiol 2022; 43:655-664. [PMID: 34812908 DOI: 10.1007/s00246-021-02770-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The presence of a genetic condition is a risk factor for increased mortality in hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS). Speckle tracking strain analysis in interstage echocardiograms have shown promise in identifying patients with HLHS at increased risk of mortality. We hypothesized that fetuses with a genetic condition and HLHS have impaired right ventricular global longitudinal strain compared with fetuses with HLHS and no evident genetic condition. We performed a retrospective analysis of 60 patients diagnosed in fetal life with HLHS from 11/2015 to 11/2019. We evaluated presenting echocardiograms and calculated right ventricular global longitudinal strain (RV GLS) and fractional area of change (FAC) using post-processing software. We first compared RV GLS and FAC between those with genetic conditions to those without. We examined the secondary outcome of mortality among those with and without genetic conditions and among HLHS subgroups. Of the 60 patients with available genetic testing, 11 (18%) had an identified genetic condition. Neither RV GLS nor FAC was significantly different between patients with and without genetic conditions. There was no difference in RV GLS or FAC among HLHS phenotype or those who died or survived as infants. However, patients with a genetic syndrome had increased neonatal and overall mortality. In this cohort, RV GLS did not differ between those with and without a genetic diagnosis, among HLHS phenotypes, or between those surviving and dying as infants. Further analysis of strain throughout gestation and after birth could provide insight into the developing heart in fetuses with HLHS.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Kevin Wilkes
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Pediatric Cardiology, Baylor College of Medicine/Texas Children's Hospital, 6651 Main St, FE1920, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Pediatric Cardiology, Baylor College of Medicine/Texas Children's Hospital, 6651 Main St, E1920, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
| | - Tam T Doan
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Pediatric Cardiology, Baylor College of Medicine/Texas Children's Hospital, 6651 Main St, FE1920, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Shaine A Morris
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Pediatric Cardiology, Baylor College of Medicine/Texas Children's Hospital, 6651 Main St, FE1920, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Carolyn A Altman
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Pediatric Cardiology, Baylor College of Medicine/Texas Children's Hospital, 6651 Main St, FE1920, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Nancy A Ayres
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Pediatric Cardiology, Baylor College of Medicine/Texas Children's Hospital, 6651 Main St, FE1920, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Lacey Schoppe
- Texas Children's Hospital Fetal Center, 6651 Main St, Suite 420, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Magnolia Nguyen
- Texas Children's Hospital Fetal Center, 6651 Main St, Suite 420, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Ricardo Pignatelli
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Pediatric Cardiology, Baylor College of Medicine/Texas Children's Hospital, 6651 Main St, FE1920, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Betul Yilmaz Furtun
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Pediatric Cardiology, Baylor College of Medicine/Texas Children's Hospital, 6651 Main St, FE1920, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
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Belfrage K, Richards B, Corbitt R, Hersey D, Texter K, Stiver C, Cua CL. Initial fetal to initial postnatal echocardiogram in uncomplicated atrioventricular septal defects: Do significant changes occur? Echocardiography 2020; 37:2102-2106. [PMID: 33169446 DOI: 10.1111/echo.14923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Revised: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Rebecca Corbitt
- Heart Center, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Diane Hersey
- Heart Center, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Karen Texter
- Heart Center, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Corey Stiver
- Heart Center, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Clifford L Cua
- Heart Center, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
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Rato J, Vigneswaran TV, Simpson JM. Speckle-Tracking Echocardiography for the Assessment of Atrial Function during Fetal Life. J Am Soc Echocardiogr 2020; 33:1391-1399. [PMID: 32828625 DOI: 10.1016/j.echo.2020.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2019] [Revised: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Speckle-tracking echocardiography has become a major tool in the evaluation of heart function. Atrial strain has emerged as an important component in the assessment of cardiac function, but there is a paucity of prenatal data. The aim of this study was to describe our initial experience of measurement of atrial strain in fetuses, with respect to both feasibility and the strain patterns observed. METHODS Four-chamber Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine loops were acquired prospectively for deformation imaging. Fifty-three normal fetuses with no morphologic or functional abnormalities were selected for analysis. The three strain components of atrial cycle for both left atrium (LA) and right atrium (RA) were acquired-reservoir (LAres or RAres), conduit, and contraction (LAct or RAct)-and are expressed as a percentage. Ratios of these components were calculated. Simple linear regression was used to analyze how the dependent variables changed according to gestational age and frame rate. RESULTS The median gestational age was 30 weeks (range, 23-35), and the frame rate was 74 frames per second (fps; range, 35-121). Left atrial strain was feasible in 48/53 (91%), and right atrial strain in 46/53 (87%) of cases. The onset of LA contraction could be identified on the strain curves in 32 of 48 (67%) cases, and of the RA in 17 of 46 (37%) cases. The values of RAres and RAct were higher compared with those of LAres and LAct (33.9% vs 30.3%, P = .014; and 21.5% vs 16.8%, P = .005), and the contraction:reservoir ratio was also higher for RA (0.63 vs 0.55 for LA, P = .003). Higher values for LAres, LAct, RAres, and RAct were associated with higher frame rate (P = .007, .020, .049, and .012, respectively). The onset of LA contraction was better identified with a higher frame rate (mean 77 vs 59 fps when not seen, P = .007). A higher LA contraction:reservoir ratio was associated with a lower gestational age (P = .042). CONCLUSION Measurement of atrial strain is feasible in the fetal heart. The values are influenced by gestational age and frame rate, so it is necessary to account for these variables. Comparison of left versus right atrial strain values contrasts with those observed postnatally. Atrial function merits further study during fetal life, to aid understanding of maturational changes and disease states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joao Rato
- Fetal Cardiology Unit, Department of Congenital Heart Disease, Evelina London Children's Healthcare, Guy's and St. Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom; Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Hospital de Santa Cruz-Centro Hospitalar Lisboa Ocidental, Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - Trisha V Vigneswaran
- Fetal Cardiology Unit, Department of Congenital Heart Disease, Evelina London Children's Healthcare, Guy's and St. Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - John M Simpson
- Fetal Cardiology Unit, Department of Congenital Heart Disease, Evelina London Children's Healthcare, Guy's and St. Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
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Mohanty SR, Patel A, Kundan S, Radhakrishnan HB, Rao SG. Hypoplastic left heart syndrome: current modalities of treatment and outcomes. Indian J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2020; 37:26-35. [PMID: 33584025 DOI: 10.1007/s12055-019-00919-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Revised: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 12/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypoplastic left heart syndrome is a constellation of malformations which result from the severe underdevelopment of any left-sided cardiac structures. Once considered to be universally fatal, the prognosis for this condition has tremendously improved over the past four decades since the work of William Norwood in the early 1980s. Today, a staged surgical approach is applied for palliating this distinctive cohort of patients, in which they undergo three operative procedures in the first 10 years of their life. Advancements in medical technologies, surgical techniques, and our growing experience in the management of HLHS have made survival into adulthood a possibility. Through this review, we present the different phases of the staged approach with primary focus on stage 1-its modifications, current technique, alternatives, and latest outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Smruti Ranjan Mohanty
- Department of Pediatric and Congenital Heart Surgery, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Four Bungalows, Andheri (West), Mumbai, 400053 India
| | | | - Simran Kundan
- Department of Pediatric and Congenital Heart Surgery, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Four Bungalows, Andheri (West), Mumbai, 400053 India
| | - Hari Bipin Radhakrishnan
- Department of Pediatric and Congenital Heart Surgery, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Four Bungalows, Andheri (West), Mumbai, 400053 India
| | - Suresh Gururaja Rao
- Department of Pediatric and Congenital Heart Surgery, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Four Bungalows, Andheri (West), Mumbai, 400053 India
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9
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Richards B, Freel L, Stiver C, Texter K, Cua CL. Serial fetal echocardiograms in hypoplastic left heart syndrome fetuses: Does it affect immediate post-natal care? Int J Cardiol 2019; 301:80-84. [PMID: 31785958 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2019.11.119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2019] [Revised: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernadette Richards
- Heart Center, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States of America
| | - Lesley Freel
- Heart Center, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States of America
| | - Corey Stiver
- Heart Center, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States of America
| | - Karen Texter
- Heart Center, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States of America
| | - Clifford L Cua
- Heart Center, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States of America.
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Garcia-Canadilla P, Dejea H, Bonnin A, Balicevic V, Loncaric S, Zhang C, Butakoff C, Aguado-Sierra J, Vázquez M, Jackson LH, Stuckey DJ, Rau C, Stampanoni M, Bijnens B, Cook AC. Complex Congenital Heart Disease Associated With Disordered Myocardial Architecture in a Midtrimester Human Fetus. Circ Cardiovasc Imaging 2019; 11:e007753. [PMID: 30354476 DOI: 10.1161/circimaging.118.007753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the era of increasingly successful corrective interventions in patients with congenital heart disease (CHD), global and regional myocardial remodeling are emerging as important sources of long-term morbidity/mortality. Changes in organization of the myocardium in CHD, and in its mechanical properties, conduction, and blood supply, result in altered myocardial function both before and after surgery. To gain a better understanding and develop appropriate and individualized treatment strategies, the microscopic organization of cardiomyocytes, and their integration at a macroscopic level, needs to be completely understood. The aim of this study is to describe, for the first time, in 3 dimensions and nondestructively the detailed remodeling of cardiac microstructure present in a human fetal heart with complex CHD. METHODS AND RESULTS Synchrotron X-ray phase-contrast imaging was used to image an archival midgestation formalin-fixed fetal heart with right isomerism and complex CHD and compare with a control fetal heart. Analysis of myocyte aggregates, at detail not accessible with other techniques, was performed. Macroanatomic and conduction system changes specific to the disease were clearly observable, together with disordered myocyte organization in the morphologically right ventricle myocardium. Electrical activation simulations suggested altered synchronicity of the morphologically right ventricle. CONCLUSIONS We have shown the potential of X-ray phase-contrast imaging for studying cardiac microstructure in the developing human fetal heart at high resolution providing novel insight while preserving valuable archival material for future study. This is the first study to show myocardial alterations occur in complex CHD as early as midgestation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Garcia-Canadilla
- Institute of Cardiovascular Science (P.G.-C., A.C.C.), University College London, United Kingdom.,Department of Information and Communications Technologies, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain (P.G.-C., C.Z., C.B., B.B.)
| | - Hector Dejea
- Swiss Light Source, Paul Scherrer Institut, Villigen, Switzerland (H.D., A.B., M.S.).,Institute for Biomedical Engineering, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland (H.D., M.S.)
| | - Anne Bonnin
- Swiss Light Source, Paul Scherrer Institut, Villigen, Switzerland (H.D., A.B., M.S.)
| | - Vedrana Balicevic
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia (V.B., S.L.)
| | - Sven Loncaric
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia (V.B., S.L.)
| | - Chong Zhang
- Department of Information and Communications Technologies, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain (P.G.-C., C.Z., C.B., B.B.)
| | - Constantine Butakoff
- Department of Information and Communications Technologies, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain (P.G.-C., C.Z., C.B., B.B.)
| | - Jazmin Aguado-Sierra
- Barcelona Supercomputing Center-Centro Nacional de Supercomputación, Campus Nord Universitat Politecnica de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain (J.A.-S., M.V.)
| | - Mariano Vázquez
- Barcelona Supercomputing Center-Centro Nacional de Supercomputación, Campus Nord Universitat Politecnica de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain (J.A.-S., M.V.).,IIIA-CSIC, Bellaterra, Spain (M.V.)
| | - Laurence H Jackson
- Division of Medicine, Centre for Advanced Biomedical Imaging (L.H.J., D.J.S.), University College London, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel J Stuckey
- Division of Medicine, Centre for Advanced Biomedical Imaging (L.H.J., D.J.S.), University College London, United Kingdom
| | - Cristoph Rau
- Diamond Manchester Imaging Branchline (I13-2), Diamond Lightsource, Oxford, United Kingdom (C.R.)
| | - Marco Stampanoni
- Swiss Light Source, Paul Scherrer Institut, Villigen, Switzerland (H.D., A.B., M.S.).,Institute for Biomedical Engineering, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland (H.D., M.S.)
| | - Bart Bijnens
- Department of Information and Communications Technologies, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain (P.G.-C., C.Z., C.B., B.B.).,Institución Catalana de Investigación y Estudios Avanzados, Barcelona, Spain (B.B.)
| | - Andrew C Cook
- Institute of Cardiovascular Science (P.G.-C., A.C.C.), University College London, United Kingdom
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11
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Graupner O, Enzensberger C, Axt-Fliedner R. New Aspects in the Diagnosis and Therapy of Fetal Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome. Geburtshilfe Frauenheilkd 2019; 79:863-872. [PMID: 31423021 PMCID: PMC6690741 DOI: 10.1055/a-0828-7968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2018] [Revised: 12/29/2018] [Accepted: 12/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Graupner
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Christian Enzensberger
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Prenatal Medicine, University Hospital UKGM, Justus-Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Roland Axt-Fliedner
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Prenatal Medicine, University Hospital UKGM, Justus-Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
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12
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Graupner O, Enzensberger C, Götte M, Wolter A, Müller V, Kawecki A, Weber S, Degenhardt J, Herrmann J, Axt-Fliedner R. Myocardial function in fetuses with lower urinary tract obstruction: Is there a cardiac remodeling effect due to renal damage? Prenat Diagn 2019; 39:495-504. [PMID: 30957256 DOI: 10.1002/pd.5453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2018] [Revised: 12/25/2018] [Accepted: 03/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Graupner
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Christian Enzensberger
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Prenatal Medicine, University Hospital UKGM, Justus-Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Malena Götte
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Prenatal Medicine, University Hospital UKGM, Justus-Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Aline Wolter
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Prenatal Medicine, University Hospital UKGM, Justus-Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Vera Müller
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Prenatal Medicine, University Hospital UKGM, Justus-Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Andreea Kawecki
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Prenatal Medicine, University Hospital UKGM, Justus-Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Stefanie Weber
- Center for Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Pediatric Nephrology, University Hospital UKGM, Philipps-University, Marburg, Germany
| | - Jan Degenhardt
- Pränatal plus, Praxis für Pränatale Medizin und Genetik, Köln, Germany
| | | | - Roland Axt-Fliedner
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Prenatal Medicine, University Hospital UKGM, Justus-Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
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13
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Enzensberger C, Rostock L, Graupner O, Götte M, Wolter A, Vorisek C, Herrmann J, Axt-Fliedner R. Wall motion tracking in fetal echocardiography-Application of low and high frame rates for strain analysis. Echocardiography 2018; 36:386-393. [PMID: 30585350 DOI: 10.1111/echo.14238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2018] [Revised: 11/05/2018] [Accepted: 11/25/2018] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Compared to adults, fetal heart rates (HR) are elevated necessitating higher frame rates (FR) for strain analysis by speckle tracking echocardiography. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of high FR compared to low FR on strain analysis in 2D speckle tracking. METHODS Fetal echocardiography was prospectively performed and acquired from the apical or basal four-chamber views of the heart. Images were optimized for clear delineation of myocardial walls and stored in either raw Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) cine-loop format for offline analysis with a low FR of 60 frames per second (fps) or in the original FR (acoustic FR = AFR). For each loop, right (RV) and left (LV) ventricular fetal longitudinal peak systolic strain (LPSS) values were assessed by 2D Wall Motion tracking. RESULTS One hundred and three healthy fetuses were included with a mean gestational age of 26.3 ± 5.5 weeks. Mean AFR was 127 ± 26 fps. A mean FR/HR ratio was assessed of 0.42 and 0.90 between the low FR and AFR group, respectively. Relating to LPSS values, there was a significant difference between low FR and AFR for both ventricles (LV: -16.5% ± 3.9% (low FR) vs -13.6% ± 3.5% (AFR); and RV: -15.1% ± 3.6% (low FR) vs -12.6% ± 3.7% (AFR), both P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Fetal LV and RV LPSS values derived with high AFR were significantly lower than corresponding LPSS values analyzed with low FR of 60 fps. Future studies are needed to clarify the clinical importance of this relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Enzensberger
- Department of OB/GYN, Division of Prenatal Medicine, University Hospital UKGM, Justus-Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Laura Rostock
- Department of OB/GYN, Division of Prenatal Medicine, University Hospital UKGM, Justus-Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Oliver Graupner
- Department of OB/GYN, University Hospital, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität, München, Germany
| | - Malena Götte
- Department of OB/GYN, Division of Prenatal Medicine, University Hospital UKGM, Justus-Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Aline Wolter
- Department of OB/GYN, Division of Prenatal Medicine, University Hospital UKGM, Justus-Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Carina Vorisek
- Department of OB/GYN, Division of Prenatal Medicine, University Hospital UKGM, Justus-Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | | | - Roland Axt-Fliedner
- Department of OB/GYN, Division of Prenatal Medicine, University Hospital UKGM, Justus-Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
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14
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Graupner O, Enzensberger C, Wieg L, Wolter A, Yerebakan C, Khalil M, Axt-Fliedner R. 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). PRENATAL CARDIOLOGY 2017. [DOI: 10.1515/pcard-2017-0003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Graupner
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich , Germany
| | - Christian Enzensberger
- Division of Prenatal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Justus-Liebig-University and UKGM, Giessen , Germany
| | - Larissa Wieg
- Department of Cardiology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich , Germany
| | - Aline Wolter
- Division of Prenatal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Justus-Liebig-University and UKGM, Giessen , Germany
| | - Can Yerebakan
- NCardiovascular Surgery, Children’s National Heart Institute, George Washington University Medical Center, Washington , DC, USA
| | - Markus Khalil
- Department of Paediatric Cardiology, Justus-Liebig-University and UKGM, Giessen , Germany
| | - Roland Axt-Fliedner
- Division of Prenatal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Justus-Liebig-University and UKGM, Giessen , Germany
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15
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Enzensberger C, Achterberg F, Graupner O, Wolter A, Herrmann J, Axt-Fliedner R. Wall-motion tracking in fetal echocardiography-Influence of frame rate on longitudinal strain analysis assessed by two-dimensional speckle tracking. Echocardiography 2017; 34:898-905. [DOI: 10.1111/echo.13542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Christian Enzensberger
- Division of Prenatal Medicine; Department of OB/GYN; University Hospital UKGM; Justus-Liebig University; Giessen Germany
| | - Friederike Achterberg
- Division of Prenatal Medicine; Department of OB/GYN; University Hospital UKGM; Justus-Liebig University; Giessen Germany
| | - Oliver Graupner
- Department of OB/GYN; University Hospital, Technical University; Munich Germany
| | - Aline Wolter
- Division of Prenatal Medicine; Department of OB/GYN; University Hospital UKGM; Justus-Liebig University; Giessen Germany
| | | | - Roland Axt-Fliedner
- Division of Prenatal Medicine; Department of OB/GYN; University Hospital UKGM; Justus-Liebig University; Giessen Germany
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16
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Enzensberger C, Achterberg F, Degenhardt J, Wolter A, Graupner O, Herrmann J, Axt-Fliedner R. Feasibility and Reproducibility of Two-Dimensional Wall Motion Tracking (WMT) in Fetal Echocardiography. Ultrasound Int Open 2017; 3:E26-E33. [PMID: 28210715 DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-124501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Enzensberger
- Division of Prenatal Medicine, Department of OB&GYN, University Hospital UKGM, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Friederike Achterberg
- Division of Prenatal Medicine, Department of OB&GYN, University Hospital UKGM, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Jan Degenhardt
- Division of Prenatal Medicine, Department of OB&GYN, University Hospital UKGM, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Aline Wolter
- Division of Prenatal Medicine, Department of OB&GYN, University Hospital UKGM, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Oliver Graupner
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Johannes Herrmann
- Statistical Consulting Service Giessen, Statistikberatung, Giessen, Germany
| | - Roland Axt-Fliedner
- Division of Prenatal Medicine, Department of OB&GYN, University Hospital UKGM, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
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