Two-dimensional Tracking Technique for Assessment of Fetal Cardiac Function

Although various methods have been reported to evaluate fetal cardiac function using ultrasound, two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography (2D-STE), which automatically tracks speckles on B-mode images has the advantage of being angle-independent. Several ultrasound devices are now capable of evaluating fetal cardiac function using 2D-STE, like global longitudinal strain (GLS), wall strain, and fractional area change (FAC). There is also a method called auto fractional shortening (FS) that can automatically calculate the fractional shortening (FS). The most important thing for 2D-STE measurement is to make the B-mode image clear. So, it is important to display the heart as large as possible and to use the highest frame rate possible. There have been many reports of normal and pathological fetuses. However, there are some problems, such as the reference value varies depending on the device or algorithm, and the measurement can only with highend ultrasound devices, so further development is expected.