The (Pulsed-Wave) Doppler Fetal Myocardial Performance Index: Technical Challenges, Clinical Applications and Future Research.
Functional cardiovascular assessment is becoming an increasingly important tool in the study of fetal pathology. The myocardial performance index (MPI) is a parameter measuring global myocardial function. Since its introduction, several studies have proposed methods to improve its reproducibility and have constructed normative reference ranges. Fetal heart evaluation using the MPI is technically challenging, requiring specific training and expertise, and a consensus has yet to be reached on the method of delineating the time periods used to calculate the index. Despite these limitations, it has been shown to be a useful and highly sensitive parameter of dysfunction in a number of fetal pathologies. Further research is warranted into the effect of pathology on MPI, parameters of unilateral cardiac strain that utilise MPI, and automation of the MPI to encourage incorporation of the MPI as a useful tool in clinical practice.
Faculty of Medicine, School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, N.S.W., Australia.
Aditi
A
Mahajan
Amanda
A
Henry
Neama
N
Meriki
Edgar
E
Hernandez-Andrade
Fatima
F
Crispi
Linda
L
Wu
Alec W
AW
Welsh
D018619:Echocardiography, Doppler, Pulsed / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005318:Fetal Heart / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D009200:Myocardial Contraction; D011247:Pregnancy; D011296:Prenatal Diagnosis / Q000379:methods*; D012016:Reference Values; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal / Q000379:methods*