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Fetal echocardiography--norms for M-mode measurements
H S Rane1, H M Purandare, A Chakravarty
1Birth Defects Centre, Bandra, Bombay.
Indian Heart Journal
|September 1, 1990
Summary
This study established fetal cardiac norms using M-mode echocardiography in 110 Indian fetuses. Findings detail how cardiac dimensions, including ventricular size and the left atrium to aorta ratio, change with gestational age.
Area of Science:
- Fetal cardiology
- Diagnostic imaging
Background:
- Establishing normative data for fetal cardiac parameters is crucial for accurate diagnosis.
- Previous studies may not fully represent diverse populations or specific gestational ranges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine normal ranges for key cardiac dimensions in fetuses.
- To analyze the relationship between these dimensions and gestational age.
- To provide reference values for Indian fetuses.
Main Methods:
- M-mode echocardiography was performed on 110 normal fetuses between 14 and 38 weeks of gestation.
- Measurements included aortic root diameter, outflow tract dimensions, ventricular cavity dimensions, and wall thickness.
- Statistical analysis utilized linear regression to derive 95% confidence limits.
Main Results:
- Cardiac parameters, including ventricular dimensions, increased with gestational age.
- At term, the right and left ventricles were found to be equal in size.
- The left atrium to aorta ratio increased with gestation, indicating differential growth.
Conclusions:
- The derived values serve as reference norms for Indian fetuses.
- These norms can aid in the early detection of fetal cardiac size abnormalities.
- This study contributes valuable data for prenatal screening and diagnosis.