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Reference ranges of fetal heart function using a Modified Myocardial Performance Index: a prospective multicentre,
Lijuan Sun1, Jingjing Wang1, Xiaoting Su2
1Department of Ultrasound, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
BMJ Open
|July 8, 2021
Summary
This study establishes normal reference ranges for fetal left ventricular Modified Myocardial Performance Index (Mod-MPI). Automatic measurements show good agreement with manual ones, suggesting their utility for assessing fetal heart function.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Fetal Medicine
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Assessing fetal cardiac function is crucial for prenatal care.
- The Modified Myocardial Performance Index (Mod-MPI) is a key indicator of left ventricular function.
- Establishing reliable reference ranges is essential for accurate diagnosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine normal reference ranges for fetal left ventricular Mod-MPI.
- To evaluate the agreement between manual and automatic Mod-MPI measurements.
Main Methods:
- A prospective, multicentre, cross-sectional study involving 2081 fetuses from normal singleton pregnancies in China.
- Standardized ultrasound protocols and pulsed Doppler were used to measure Mod-MPI, isovolumetric relaxation time (IRT), and ejection time (ET) at different gestational ages.
- Measurements were performed both manually and automatically.
Main Results:
- Linear correlations were found between gestational age and Mod-MPI, IRT, and ET.
- The agreement between manual and automated Mod-MPI measurements was good.
- Reference values for fetal LV Mod-MPI were successfully established.
Conclusions:
- Normal reference values for fetal left ventricular Mod-MPI have been established.
- Automatic measurement of Mod-MPI offers a convenient alternative due to good agreement with manual methods.
- These findings support the use of automated Mod-MPI for routine fetal cardiac assessment.
