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Updated: May 28, 2026
08:04
Murine Fetal Echocardiography
Published on: February 15, 2013
Left ventricular function and geometry in fetuses with severe tricuspid regurgitation
T Ishii1, W Tworetzky, D M Harrild
1Department of Cardiology, Children's Hospital and Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
Summary
Left ventricular (LV) function is abnormal in fetuses with congenital tricuspid valve (TV) anomalies and severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR). These LV abnormalities, particularly the LV eccentricity index, may impact survival outcomes in affected neonates.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Fetal Medicine
- Pediatric Cardiology
Background:
- Congenital tricuspid valve (TV) dysplasia/displacement (Ebstein's malformation) with severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR) presents poor neonatal outcomes.
- Left ventricular (LV) function in fetuses with congenital TV disease remains poorly understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate fetal left ventricular (LV) function in congenital TV anomalies with significant tricuspid regurgitation (TR).
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of serial fetal echocardiograms in 16 fetuses with congenital TV anomalies.
- Analysis of LV stroke volume, dimensions, eccentricity index, cardiac areas, and LV longitudinal strains.
- Comparison of parameters by gestational age and clinical outcome (survival vs. death).
Main Results:
- Fetal LV end-diastolic volume (Z-score) decreased with advancing gestation and LV output was below normal values.
- LV mid-septal strain was reduced and correlated with the LV eccentricity index.
- The LV eccentricity index was the only parameter that significantly differed between survivors and non-survivors.
Conclusions:
- Left ventricular (LV) function and anatomy are demonstrably abnormal in fetuses with severe congenital TV anomalies.
- These fetal LV abnormalities are likely significant contributors to poor clinical outcomes.
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