Assessment of Fetal Cardiac Geometry and Systolic Function in Fetuses With Ventricular Septal Defect During the Second Trimester Using Fetal Heart Quantification Technology

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the impact of ventricular septal defect (VSD) on fetal cardiac geometry and systolic function during the second trimester using Fetal Heart Quantification (Fetal HQ) technology. METHODS: In this prospective study, 91 fetuses with isolated VSD and 91 gestational age-matched healthy controls were evaluated. Using the GE Voluson E10 ultrasound system and Fetal HQ software, cardiac parameters such as global sphericity index (GSI), global longitudinal strain (GLS), ejection fraction (EF), and fractional area change (FAC) were measured. Segmental end-diastolic diameters (EDD) and sphericity indices (SI) for both ventricles were analyzed. Statistical analyses compared groups and assessed correlations between VSD size and left ventricular function. RESULTS: The VSD group displayed significant reductions in left ventricular segmental EDD and increases in right ventricular SI, reflecting localized geometric changes. Left ventricular GLS, EF, FAC, and stroke volume were notably reduced in the VSD group, indicating compromised function. VSD size negatively correlated with left ventricular GLS and FAC. CONCLUSION: VSD significantly affects left ventricular geometry and function, with larger defects showing greater impairment. Fetal HQ technology effectively characterizes these changes, aiding early diagnosis and enabling personalized perinatal management.