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. 2017 Feb;3(1):E26-E33.
doi: 10.1055/s-0042-124501.

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

Christian Enzensberger  1 , Friederike Achterberg  1 , Jan Degenhardt  1 , Aline Wolter  1 , Oliver Graupner  2 , Johannes Herrmann  3 , Roland Axt-Fliedner  1
Affiliations

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

Christian Enzensberger et al. Ultrasound Int Open. 2017 Feb.

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.

Keywords: cardiac function; fetal echocardiography; speckle tracking; wall motion tracking.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest No conflict of interest has been declared by the author(s).

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
(Left) traced myocardial wall of the LV and interventricular septum with 6 segments (BL (basal lateral), ML (middle lateral), AL (apical lateral), AS (apical septal), MS (middle septal), BS (basal septal)). (Right) longitudinal strain (%) curves of the 6 segments and global strain (%) for one fetal heart cycle.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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