Incremental value of myocardial deformation in predicting postnatal coarctation of the aorta: establishment of a novel diagnostic model

Prenatal ultrasound prediction of coarctation of the aorta: a nomogram for risk stratification

BACKGROUND

Coarctation of the aorta is one of the most common congenital heart malformations, accounting for approximately 7% of all live births with congenital heart disease. It is crucial to make a definitive prenatal diagnosis as it can inform clinical treatment decisions.

OBJECTIVE

The diagnostic criteria for coarctation of the aorta are still controversial, and there is currently no risk nomogram available to assess the probability of coarctation of the aorta using routine ultrasound parameters. We explored the prenatal diagnostic efficacy of ultrasound parameters and established a nomogram for coarctation of the aorta.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 101 fetuses with suspected coarctation of the aorta diagnosed by prenatal ultrasound from July 2015 to June 2023 were collected retrospectively. The patients were divided into two groups according to the diagnostic results: a normal group (n=42; gestational weeks, 28.5±6.0) and a coarctation of the aorta group (n=59; gestational weeks, 26.7±5.1). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify echocardiographic predictors of coarctation of the aorta. Moreover, the patients were divided into a training set and a validation set in a ratio of 8:2, and a nomogram for the prenatal diagnosis of coarctation of the aorta was established using R.

RESULTS

(1) Aortic isthmus, aortic isthmus z-score, ascending aorta, ascending aorta z-score, pulmonary artery, pulmonary artery z-score, pulmonary artery/ascending aorta ratio, persistent left superior vena cava, and aortic arch dysplasia were the predictive markers of coarctation of the aorta in the univariate logistic regression analysis (P<0.05). (2) Aortic isthmus z-score, ascending aorta z-score, pulmonary artery/ascending aorta ratio, persistent left superior vena cava, and aortic arch dysplasia were identified as the final predictors after multivariate logistic regression analysis (P<0.05). (3) The combined model, which included aortic isthmus z-score, ascending aorta z-score, pulmonary artery/ascending aorta ratio, persistent left superior vena cava, and aortic arch dysplasia, demonstrated a larger area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) (AUC=0.96, sensitivity=93.22%, specificity=88.10%) than aortic isthmus z-score alone (AUC=0.77, sensitivity=77.97%, specificity=71.43%), ascending aorta z-score alone (AUC=0.78, sensitivity=54.24%, specificity=90.48%), pulmonary artery/ascending aorta ratio alone (AUC=0.68, sensitivity=72.88%, specificity=54.76%), aortic arch dysplasia alone (AUC=0.70, sensitivity=66.10%, specificity=73.81%), and persistent left superior vena cava alone (AUC=0.72, sensitivity=79.66%, specificity=64.29%). The nomogram, which was constructed with these parameters, also exhibited excellent calibration curves and a good decision curve analysis curve.

CONCLUSIONS

The nomogram established by aortic isthmus z-score, ascending aorta z-score, pulmonary artery/ascending aorta ratio, persistent left superior vena cava, and aortic arch dysplasia demonstrated excellent efficacy in the prenatal diagnosis of coarctation of the aorta.

Myocardial Deformation and Its Relation to Ventricular Shape, Preload, and Afterload in Fetuses with Suspected Coarctation of the Aorta

Detailed characterization of myocardial deformation, ventricular shape, outflow tract size, inflow Doppler patterns, cerebroplacental circulation, and cardiac output of fetuses with suspected coarctation of the aorta (COA) and a control group to gain further insights into differences between these groups. Expectant women were prospectively recruited for assessment during the third trimester of pregnancy and a comparison of echocardiographic characteristics and fetoplacental circulation according to postnatal diagnosis of either confirmed COA (c-COA), false-positive COA (fp-COA), and a control population. There were 42 fetuses recruited with suspected COA of whom 20/42 (48%) had c-COA. Fetuses with c-COA demonstrated lower (less negative) LV global longitudinal strain (LV-GLS) compared to controls (- 20.2% ± 4.3 vs. - 23.1% ± 2.7, p = 0.01) and a non-significant trend to lower strain in the fp-COA group (LV-GLS: - 20.7% ± 5.0, p = 0.053) compared to controls. RV-GLS was significantly reduced in the fp-COA group compared to the c-COA and control groups (fp-COA: - 19.8% ± 4.5, c-COA: - 23.1% ± 4.4, control: - 23.5% ± 3.6, p = 0.04). C-COA and fp-COA had a less spherical (narrower) LV, shorter LV, and a more spherical RV compared to controls. The arterial duct diameter was larger in c-COA compared to fp-COA and controls. When analyzed according to diagnostic group, determinants of GLS and sphericity index differed between groups. For c-COA, there was correlation between LV-GLS and RV-GLS (r = - 0.51, p = 0.021). Determinants of LV-GLS in fp-COA were distal transverse aortic arch z-score and umbilical artery PI (p = 0.026, p = 0.037 respectively). The only determinant of RV-GLS in the FP-COA was arterial duct z-score (r = - 0.51, p = 0.019). There are measurable differences in functional parameters between c-COA, fp-COA, and controls. The hemodynamic characteristics of c-COA and fp-COA merit further study and should include study of the RV and cerebroplacental evaluation.

A New Method Using the Four-Chamber View to Identify Fetuses With Subsequently Confirmed Postnatal Aortic Coarctation

OBJECTIVE

To determine the sensitivity, specificity, and false-positive rate among fetuses suspected prenatally to have coarctation of the aorta (CoA) using size and shape measurements of the fetal heart from the four-chamber view (4CV).

METHODS

This was a retrospective study of 108 fetuses identified by pediatric cardiologists to be at risk for CoA. 4CV s from the last antenatal ultrasound performed by the cardiologists were analyzed. The end-diastolic area was computed using the point-to-point trace method around the epicardial border of the 4CV, and the largest end-diastolic length and width were measured from the epicardium to the epicardium to compute the global sphericity index (GSI) (length/width). Using speckle tracking analysis, the ventricular end-diastolic area, length, basal and mid-chamber widths were measured. The sphericity index of the base and mid-chamber of the ventricles was computed (length/width). In addition, the end-diastolic area ratios were computed as follows: right ventricular area/4CV area and the left ventricular area/4CV area. The z-scores for the above measurements were computed. Using logistic regression analysis, coefficients for predicting the probability of CoA from a test group of 27 fetuses with CoA and 27 without CoA was done. The logistic regression equation derived from the test group was applied to a validation group of 27 fetuses with CoA and 27 fetuses without CoA.

RESULTS

The regression equation from the test group identified the following end-diastolic measurements: 4CV GSI, RV area/heart area, LV base SI, and the RV Base SI. The test group consisted of 14 of 27 fetuses with an isolated CoA (52%) and 13 of 27 (48%) with additional heart abnormalities. For the validation group, 10 of 27 (37%) had an isolated CoA, and 17 (63%) had additional cardiac abnormalities. Using the logistic regression equation derived from the test group (54 fetuses: 27 with CoA and 27 without CoA), the validation group (54 fetuses: 27 with CoA and 27 without CoA) demonstrated the following: sensitivity for detecting CoA of 98.15%, specificity 98.15%, and a false-positive rate of 1.85%. When the logistic regression was applied to the test group of fetuses with isolated CoA, 100% (14/14) were identified with logistic regression analysis. For the validation group, 9 of 10 (90%) of fetuses with isolated CoA were identified using the logistic regression equation.

CONCLUSIONS

Using length, width, and area measurements of the 4CV and ventricles from which ratios are computed detects 98.15% of high-risk fetuses who will demonstrate CoA following birth, with a specificity of 98.15%, or a false-positive rate of 1.85%.

A novel diagnostic model for fetal coarctation of the aorta with ventricular septal defect

BACKGROUND

Our study aimed to develop a novel diagnostic model for fetal coarctation of the aorta with ventricular septal defect(CoA/VSD).

METHODS AND RESULTS

We respectively included 70 fetuses with suspected CoA/VSD(January 2017-June 2023). After birth, 26 fetuses (26/47, 55.3 %) were confirmed to be true-positive CoA/VSD (TP-CoA/VSD), 21 cases had only VSDs without CoA, namely false-positive CoA/VSD (FP-CoA/VSD), and the remaining 23 fetuses were excluded due to additional major malformations, multiple pregnancies or other reasons. Large VSDs and doubly committed subarterial VSDs were more prevalent in true coarctation fetuses(all p < 0.05). Among morphological parameters of echocardiography, the aortic isthmus (AoI)/VSD ratio had the highest area under the curve (AUC) of 0.81 (95 % CI: 0.68-0.94, p < 0.001) and cutoff value of ≤0.67. Three new diagnostic models were constructed by adding different functional variables, namely left ventricular longitudinal strain(LVLS), LV ejection fraction, and LV fractional area of change to the morphological variable AoI/VSD ratio. The diagnostic model of AoI/VSD ratio and LVLS had the highest AUC of 0.96 (95 % CI: 0.86-1.00; p < 0.001). In addition, risk stratification revealed a high risk of prenatal CoA/VSD when the risk probability was greater than 0.80, which required early medical counseling and intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

In fetuses suspected with having CoA/VSD, myocardial strains of both ventricles were lower in true CoA group. Additionally, a diagnostic model of new morphological parameter AoI/VSD ratio and functional variable LVLS, was highly valuable in diagnosing fetal CoA/VSD.

Gestational Age-Specific Markers Associated with Postnatal Intervention in Fetal Suspicion of Coarctation of the Aorta

OBJECTIVE

 Fetal diagnosis of coarctation of the aorta (CoA) is currently associated with a high false-positive rate. Many predictive markers may be gestational age (GA)-specific. We sought to establish GA-specific traditional and speckle-tracking fetal echocardiography (STE) markers predictive of true CoA in neonates with prenatal suspicion.

STUDY DESIGN

 This is a retrospective case-control study. We compared the fetal ventricular and arch dimensions, as well as the deformation parameters by STE, of infants who required a postnatal intervention for their CoA with those who did not. Cohort was stratified based on GA before or after 30 weeks. Data extractors were masked to the outcome. The first fetal echocardiogram available was used.

RESULTS

 Seventy-five newborns with a fetal echocardiography performed between October 2013 and May 2022 for an antenatal suspicion of CoA were included, of which 59 (79%) had an aortic arch with nonsignificant obstruction upon ductal closure, and 16 (21%) underwent a neonatal intervention for a confirmed CoA. Before 30 weeks' GA, the right ventricular to left ventricular (RV/LV) end-diastolic width and end-diastolic area (EDA) ratios were most associated with postnatal CoA confirmation (area under the curve [AUCs] = 0.96 and 0.92). After 30 weeks' GA, the RV/LV end-diastolic width ratio (AUC = 0.95), the Z-score for the ascending aorta (AUC = 0.93), and the LV end-diastolic width Z-score (AUC = 0.91) performed the best. A decreased RV peak longitudinal strain was observed in those who developed true CoA and performed well by receiver operating characteristic analysis after 30 weeks (AUC = 0.85). In the overall cohort, the RV/LV EDA ratio was the most sensitive predictor of CoA and identified all cases with CoA. Indeed, a cutoff > 1.24 had a specificity of 69.5% and a sensitivity of 100% (receiver operating characteristic curve with an AUC of 0.88).

CONCLUSION

 We outlined sensitive and specific fetal markers associated with postnatal CoA based on GA at suspicion.

KEY POINTS

· Fetal ventricular disproportion predicts postnatal coarctation.. · A decreased right ventircular contraction was observed in those with coarctation.. · Fetal markers differ based on gestational age at fetal evaluation..

Fetal Speckle Tracking Echocardiography Measured Global Longitudinal Strain and Strain Rate in Congenital Heart Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Fetal two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2D-STE) is a novel technique that provides information on fetal heart function by measuring global longitudinal strain (GLS) and global longitudinal strain rate (GLSR). These features assess the longitudinal deformity of the fetal cardiac wall. 2D-STE is shown to be of prognostic value in children and adults with congenital heart disease (CHD). Therefore, its importance in fetal life should also be considered. This systematic review and meta-analysis provides an overview of the literature on 2D-STE (GLS/GLSR) in fetuses with CHD, focusing on the left and right ventricles (LV/RV). Findings indicated that LV-GLS was significantly lower in fetuses with coarctation of the aorta (CoA) and Tetralogy of Fallot (ToF) compared to controls. Conversely, fetuses with a single left ventricle exhibited higher LV-GLS. RV-GLS was significantly lower in fetuses with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) and ToF compared to controls. LV-GLSR was significantly lower in fetuses with CoA. Overall, considerable heterogeneity was observed, possibly due to differences in study design. More prospective longitudinal studies on 2D-STE in fetuses with CHD, considering heterogeneity parameters, could offer better insights into this promising technique.

Standardization in paediatric echocardiographic reporting and critical interpretation of measurements, functional parameters, and prediction scores: a clinical consensus statement of the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging of the European Society of Cardiology and the Association for European Paediatric and Congenital Cardiology

This document has been developed to provide a guide for basic and advanced reporting in paediatric echocardiography. Furthermore, it aims to help clinicians in the interpretation of echocardiographic measurements and functional data for estimating the severity of disease in different paediatric age groups. The following topics will be reviewed and discussed in the present document: (i) the general principle in constructing a paediatric echocardiographic report, (ii) the basic elements to be included, and (iii) the potential and limitation of currently employed tools used for disease severity quantification during paediatric reporting. A guide for the interpretation of Z-scores will be provided. Use and interpretation of parameters employed for quantification of ventricular systolic function will be discussed. Difficulties in the adoption of adult parameters for the study of diastolic function and valve defects at different ages and pressure and loading conditions will be outlined, with pitfalls for the assessment listed. A guide for careful use of prediction scores for complex congenital heart disease will be provided. Examples of basic and advanced (disease-specific) formats for reporting in paediatric echocardiography will be provided. This document should serve as a comprehensive guide to (i) structure a comprehensive paediatric echocardiographic report; (ii) identify the basic morphological details, measures, and functional parameters to be included during echocardiographic reporting; and (iii) correctly interpret measurements and functional data for estimating disease severity.

Assessing Coarctation of the Aorta With Fetal Heart Quantification Technology

Objective

To use fetal heart quantification (fetal HQ) technology to compare the coarctation of the aorta (CoA) and normal fetal heart structure and systolic function and to assess whether there are abnormalities in the fetal heart structure and systolic function associated with CoA.

Methods

This prospective cohort study was conducted from May 2020 to December 2022 and involved 18-40-week-old singleton pregnancies and 30 fetuses diagnosed with CoA using fetal echocardiography at the General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University and Peking University First Hospital Ningxia Women's and Children's Hospital, China. The control group contained 60 normal fetuses. The following parameters were recorded and analyzed statistically: four-chamber view (4CV) end-diastolic long diameter, 4CV epicardial-contralateral epicardial transverse maximum diameter, 4CV global sphericity index (GSI), left ventricular (LV) and right ventricular (RV) 24-segment end-diastolic diameter (EDD), 24-segment sphericity index (SI), LV-fractional area change (LV-FAC), LV-longitudinal strain (LV-LS), RV-fractional area change (RV-FAC), RV-longitudinal strain (RV-LS), and LV and RV 24-segment transverse fractional shortening (FS). Measurement data were compared between the two groups using an independent sample t test, with P < 0.05 indicating statistically significant differences. Moreover, the correlation between gestational age and GSI, LV-FAC, LV-LS, RV-FAC, and RV-LS was assessed.

Results

Within and between observer comparisons of the parameters associated with major cardiac function revealed an intragroup correlation coefficient of >0.9, indicating high consistency, and a coefficient of variable of <1%, indicating low variability. Correlation analysis revealed no obvious correlation between gestational age and GSI, LV-FAC, LV-LS, RV-FAC, and RV-LS. A comparison of the four-chamber morphological structural parameters of the hearts in the two groups revealed that when compared with the control group, the 4CV end-diastolic long diameter was shortened in fetuses in the CoA group and the epicardial-contralateral epicardial transverse maximum diameter was wider, while the GSI was lower (P < 0.05). A comparison of the LV and RV morphological structure parameters between the two groups revealed that when compared with the control group, the LV's 24-segment EDD was smaller in the CoA group, the RV's 24-segment EDD was greater in the control group, the SI of the LV's segments 16-24 was greater than in the control group, and the SI of the RV's segments 7-24 was less than in the control group (all P < 0.05). When compared with fetuses in the control group, the LV's segments 16-24 were greater in the CoA group, whereas the RV's segment 6-24 was smaller (P < 0.05). When compared with the control group, LV-FAC, RV-FAC, and LS were lower in the CoA group (P < 0.05). The FS of the LV segments 1-24 and the FS of the RV segments 1-16 were smaller in the CoA group than in the normal group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Fetal HQ, a new simple technique that offers rapid analysis and high repeatability, can quantitatively evaluate structural and systolic function changes in fetuses with CoA.