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Mathematical modeling of fetal organ growth using the Rossavik growth model: III. Cardiac ventricle
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shimane Medical University, Izumo, Japan.
Insights
This study monitored fetal cardiac ventricle growth in 114 Japanese fetuses using various measurements. Standardized growth curves were developed to better assess normal development and detect congenital heart anomalies.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Fetal Medicine
- Biometry
Background:
- Accurate monitoring of fetal cardiac ventricle growth is crucial for prenatal diagnosis.
- Existing methods may lack precision in evaluating normal development and identifying congenital heart anomalies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish normative growth curves for fetal cardiac ventricular dimensions.
- To improve the evaluation of fetal cardiac growth and detection of congenital heart anomalies in utero.
Main Methods:
- Measured eight cardiac parameters in 114 normal Japanese fetuses from 19 to 39 weeks menstrual age.
- Applied the Rossavik growth model to determine growth curves for each parameter.
- Analyzed variability and developed standard curves based on growth models and variability data.
Main Results:
- Generated growth curves for total cardiac diameter (TCD), left and right ventricular systolic/diastolic diameters (LVSD, LVDD, RVSD, RVDD), and widths (LVW, IVSW, RVW).
- Achieved high R2 values for TCD (89.7%) and RVDD (80.3%), indicating good model fit.
- Observed a progressive increase in variability for all eight parameters with advancing fetal age.
Conclusions:
- Developed standard curves for fetal cardiac ventricular dimensions offer a superior method for assessing normal growth.
- These standardized curves enhance the ability to identify congenital heart anomalies during fetal development.
- The study provides valuable tools for prenatal screening and diagnosis of cardiac conditions.
Abstract:
Growth of the fetal cardiac ventricle has been monitored by total cardiac diameter (TCD), left ventricular systolic (LVSD) and diastolic diameter (LVDD), right ventricular systolic (RVSD) and diastolic diameter (RVDD), left ventricular width (LVW), interventricular septal width (IVSW), and right ventricular width (RVW) from 19 to 39 weeks, menstrual age, in 114 normal Japanese fetuses. Growth curves for these parameters have been determined using a Rossavik growth model [P = c(t)k+s(t)]. R2 values of 89.7, 58.0, 65.3, 77.9, 80.3, 31.1, 30.1, and 26.9 were obtained for TCD, LVSD, LVDD, RVSD, RVDD, LVW, IVSW, and RVW, respectively. Variability analysis indicated a progressive increase in variability with fetal age for these eight parameters. Variability data were used with the growth curve models to determine standard curves for these parameters. These standard curves provide a superior means for evaluating the normal fetal cardiac growth in the fetus and for identifying congenital heart anomalies in utero.