Myocardial strain assessment using Velocity Vector Imaging in normally grown fetuses at term

5 years ago

Myocardial strain assessment using Velocity Vector Imaging in normally grown fetuses at term

Sailesh Kumar, Amal A. Alsolai, Larissa N. Bligh, Ristan M. Greer, Alexander Gooi

Objectives The aim was to prospectively assess fetal myocardial deformation at term in normally grown fetuses, using Velocity Vector Imaging (VVI) 2D speckle-tracking technique and explore myocardial deformation changes over the last four weeks of pregnancy. Methods This was a prospective, observational, cohort study, at the Mater Mother's Hospital, Brisbane, Australia. A cohort of 276 women with uncomplicated singleton pregnancies underwent fortnightly ultrasound from 36 weeks until delivery. Fetal myocardial deformation (global and segmental longitudinal systolic myocardial strain and strain rate of both right and left ventricles) were measured using Velocity Vector Imaging software. Results Global longitudinal left and right ventricular strain and strain rate mean values decreased between each time point. At 36, 38 and 40 weeks the LV global strain (%) and strain rate (s-1) respectively decreased as follows: 36 weeks [−14.6% (±3.8), −1.2 s-1 (±0.3)], 38 weeks [−13.6% (±3.3), −1.1 s-1 (±0.3)] and 40 weeks [−12.3% (±3.1), −1.0 s-1 (±0.3)]. At 36, 38 and 40 weeks the mean RV global strain (%) and mean strain rate (s-1) respectively decreased as follows: 36 weeks [−14.2% (±3.4), −1.2 s-1 (±0.2)], 38 weeks [−13.4% (±3.0), −1.1 s-1 (±0.2)] and 40 weeks [−12.8% (±2.8), −1.1 s-1 (±0.3)]. Conclusions Global ventricular strain values diminish with advancing gestational age. Myocardial deformation imaging is feasible at late gestation and may be useful as an adjunct for assessment of fetal cardiac function close to birth.

Publisher URL: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/resolve/doi

DOI: 10.1002/uog.17549