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Updated: May 3, 2026
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Evaluation of Left Ventricular Structure and Function using 3D Echocardiography
Published on: October 28, 2020
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Fetal left ventricular mass determination on 2-dimensional echocardiography using area-length calculation methods.
Xiao-Zhi Zheng1, Bin Yang, Jing Wu
1Department of Ultrasound, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, 305 East Zhongshan Rd, 210002 Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
Summary
Fetal cardiac mass measurements using 2D echocardiography accurately reflect gestational age and fetal weight. This method is valuable for assessing fetal heart development and screening for malformations.
Area of Science:
- Prenatal diagnosis
- Fetal cardiology
- Medical imaging
Background:
- Fetal cardiac examination is crucial for identifying malformations.
- Accurate assessment of fetal cardiac development is essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To measure left ventricular (LV) mass in the second and third trimesters using 2D echocardiography.
- To evaluate the clinical utility of LV mass measurements in relation to gestational age (GA) and fetal weight.
Main Methods:
- 500 healthy fetuses were divided into second and third trimester groups.
- Estimated fetal weight (EFW) was calculated using the Hadlock formula.
- LV mass at end diastole (LVd mass) and end systole (LVs mass) were measured, along with LV(d-s) mass and mass/EFW ratios.
Main Results:
- EFW, LVd mass, LVs mass, and LV(d-s) mass were significantly higher in the third trimester (P < .05).
- LVd mass, LVs mass, and LV(d-s) mass correlated significantly with GA and weight (P < .001).
- LV mass/EFW ratios did not differ significantly between groups or correlate with GA/weight (P > .05).
Conclusions:
- 2D echocardiography with area-length calculation effectively measures fetal LV mass.
- This technique sensitively detects fetal weight- and GA-related changes in LV mass.
- Fetal cardiac mass measurement is a valuable tool for assessing fetal heart development.
