title: First experience with three-dimensional speckle tracking (3D wall motion tracking) in fetal echocardiography.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Fetal cardiac function can be quantified by different methods. This is the first approach of real three-dimensional(3 D)-based speckle tracking echocardiography in the fetus to assess different cardiac strain parameters.
  
  
  METHODS
  We present preliminary results of fetal global myocardial strain analyses. For fetal echocardiography a Toshiba Artida system was used. Based on an apical or basal four-chamber view of the fetal heart, raw data volumes with a high temporal resolution were acquired and digitally stored.
  
  
  RESULTS
  8 individual healthy fetuses with an echocardiogram performed between 21 and 37 weeks of gestation were included. The mean temporal resolution was 31.2 ± 4.3 volumes per second (vps). Basic parameters such as longitudinal and circumferential strain as well as advanced 3 D myocardial motion patterns such as area strain, rotation, twist and torsion were assessed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Currently the assessment of fetal myocardial deformation parameters by 3 D speckle tracking seems to be technically feasible only in individual cases. In the future further development of this technique is necessary to improve its application in fetal echocardiography.
authors.affiliation: Department of OB&GYN, Philipps University, Division of Prenatal Medicine, Marburg.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Enzensberger
authors.affiliation: Department of OB&GYN, Justus Liebig University, Division of Prenatal Medicine, Gießen.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Degenhardt
authors.affiliation: Department of OB&GYN, Justus Liebig University, Division of Prenatal Medicine, Gießen.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Tenzer
authors.affiliation: Ultrasound, Toshiba Medical Systems, Neuss.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Doelle
authors.affiliation: Department of OB&GYN, Philipps University, Division of Prenatal Medicine, Marburg.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Axt-Fliedner
mesh_terms: D019560:Echocardiography, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D007090:Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D009200:Myocardial Contraction / Q000502:physiology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D012016:Reference Values; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal / Q000379:methods*