What are the normal reference values and longitudinal changes for fetal myocardial deformation measured by 2D-STE in healthy fetuses?
This study establishes longitudinal reference values for fetal myocardial deformation using 2D-STE, demonstrating an increase in GLS and GLSR from the second trimester to delivery.
Reference values were obtained for fetal GLS and GLSR measured using 2D-STE. GLS and GLSR values increased significantly for both ventricles from the second trimester until delivery. GLS values were significantly higher for the right ventricle compared with the left ventricle. Future studies are needed to assess whether the obtained reference values are helpful in clinical practice in the assessment of pregnancy complications, such as fetal growth restriction or cardiac anomaly. © 2022 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Oostrum et al. (Fri,) studied this question.