Circumferential and longitudinal ventricular strain in the normal human fetus

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Fetal Medicine
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Echocardiography with speckle tracking is an advanced, angle-independent method for evaluating cardiac function.
• Previous research established normal longitudinal strain in fetuses.
• Circumferential strain data in fetuses remained undefined.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish normal reference values for fetal left ventricular (LV) circumferential strain.
• To utilize speckle tracking echocardiography for this assessment.
• To contribute to the understanding of fetal cardiac mechanics.

Main Methods:

• Studied singleton fetuses aged 17-42 weeks without maternal or fetal complications.
• Employed syngo Velocity Vector Imaging software for strain analysis.
• Measured regional and averaged cardiac strain parameters.

Main Results:

• Analyzed data from 81 fetuses (mean gestational age 29.2 ± 5.7 weeks).
• Average midventricular circumferential strain was 18.7 ± 3.3%.
• Normal LV longitudinal strain (15.2 ± 2.7%) and RV longitudinal strain (16.0 ± 3.3%) were also observed, with no gestational age correlation.

Conclusions:

• This study presents the first report on normal fetal LV circumferential strain.
• The established data serve as a valuable reference for fetal cardiac function assessment.
• Limitations include retrospective design and lower frame rates, necessitating further research.