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Ultrasound Int Open 2017; 03(01): E26-E33
DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-124501
Original Article
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Feasibility and Reproducibility of Two-Dimensional Wall Motion Tracking (WMT) in Fetal Echocardiography

Christian Enzensberger
1   Division of Prenatal Medicine, Department of OB&GYN, University Hospital UKGM, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
,
Friederike Achterberg
1   Division of Prenatal Medicine, Department of OB&GYN, University Hospital UKGM, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
,
Jan Degenhardt
1   Division of Prenatal Medicine, Department of OB&GYN, University Hospital UKGM, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
,
Aline Wolter
1   Division of Prenatal Medicine, Department of OB&GYN, University Hospital UKGM, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
,
Oliver Graupner
2   Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
,
Johannes Herrmann
3   Statistical Consulting Service Giessen, Statistikberatung, Giessen, Germany
,
Roland Axt-Fliedner
1   Division of Prenatal Medicine, Department of OB&GYN, University Hospital UKGM, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

received 12 July 2016
revised 06 October 2016

accepted 13 December 2016

Publication Date:
09 February 2017 (online)

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Abstract

Objective The primary objective of this study was to determine the feasibility and reproducibility of 2-dimensional speckle tracking imaging based on the wall motion tracking (WMT) technique in fetal echocardiography. The secondary objective was to compare left and right ventricular global and segmental longitudinal peak strain values.

Methods A prospective cross-sectional study was performed. Global and segmental longitudinal peak strain values of the left ventricle (LV) and right ventricle (RV) were assessed prospectively. Based on apical 4-chamber views, cine loops were acquired and digitally stored. Strain analysis was performed offline. Intra- and interobserver variabilities were analyzed.

Results A total of 29 healthy fetuses with an echocardiogram performed between 19 and 37 weeks of gestation were included. Analysis was performed with a temporal resolution of 60 frames per second (fps). For both examiners, in all cases Cronbach’s alpha was>0.7. The interobserver variability showed a strong agreement in 50% of the segments (ICC 0.71–0.90). The global strain values for LV and RV were −16.34 and −14.65%, respectively. Segmental strain analysis revealed a basis to apex gradient with the lowest strain values in basal segments and the highest strain values in apical segments.

Conclusion The assessment of fetal myocardial deformation parameters by 2D WMT is technically feasible with good reproducibility.

Key words

fetal echocardiography - speckle tracking - cardiac function - wall motion tracking
 

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