Fetal cardiac function assessed by Doppler myocardial performance index (Tei Index)

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Fetal Medicine
• Echocardiography

Background:

• The Tei Index (TI) is a Doppler-derived index for assessing myocardial performance.
• Evaluating fetal cardiac function non-invasively is crucial for prenatal care.
• Existing literature on normal fetal TI values requires further consolidation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish normal values for fetal left ventricular (LV) Tei Index (TI) in the second and third trimesters.
• To compare these findings with previously published data.
• To validate the utility of TI as a measure of fetal myocardial function.

Main Methods:

• Doppler echocardiography was used to obtain LV outflow tract waveforms in 74 fetuses (18-31 weeks' gestation).
• Measurements included isovolumic contraction time (ICT), ejection time (ET), and isovolumic relaxation time (IRT).
• TI was calculated using the formula (ICT + IRT) / ET.

Main Results:

• The normal TI in fetuses aged 18-31 weeks was determined to be 0.53 ± 0.13.
• Mean ICT was 43 ± 14 ms, ET was 173 ± 16 ms, and IRT was 48 ± 13 ms.
• These values provide a reference range for fetal cardiac performance.

Conclusions:

• The fetal Tei Index (TI) is readily obtainable without complex imaging.
• TI serves as a valuable, non-invasive tool for evaluating fetal myocardial performance.
• This index has potential applications in various clinical scenarios involving fetal cardiac health.