Fetal echocardiography--norms for M-mode measurements

M-mode echocardiography was performed in 110 normal fetuses to study the norms for various cardiac parameters at varying gestational ages. The measurements were done in normal pregnancies with gestation varying from 14-38 weeks. The parameters studied were aortic root diameter, left atrial and right ventricular outflow tract dimensions, left and right ventricular cavity dimensions, and left ventricular, septal and right ventricular wall thickness. The values were analysed statistically by linear regression analysis and 95 per cent confidence limits were derived. It was found that values for right and left ventricles increased with gestation such that at term both ventricles were equal in size. The aorta and left atrium also increased with increasing gestation but the value for left atrium increased more than that of aorta giving increased left atrium to aorta ratio. These values could be utilised as norms for Indian fetuses and could help in detecting abnormalities of size.