Morphometric study of the ventricular segment of the human fetal heart between 13 and 20 weeks' gestation

Our objective was to determine the normal dimensions of the ventricular segment of the human fetal heart between 13 and 20 weeks' gestation.

103 hearts obtained by necropsy were dissected and measurements of different portions of ventricles were determined under stereoscopic magnification. In each ventricle were measured anteroposterior and lateral diameters, inlet and outlet length, and thickness of walls at different levels. Our results showed the cardiac apex was constituted by the left ventricle in 68.9% of the hearts. Both ventricles showed linear growth during this period of fetal development. Ranges in median values of external and internal ventricular measurements were determined. The left ventricular wall was thicker than the right, and the right ventricular cavity was larger. This study provides morphometric reference information concerning the dimensions and growth of both ventricles of the fetal heart, which may be useful in pediatric cardiac surgery and echocardiography.