Reliability of posterior-left atrium space index measurements during 20-24 weeks of gestation in structurally normal fetuses.
OBJECTIVE
We aimed to evaluate the correlation between clinical parameters and the post-left atrium (LA) space index, which is a candidate screening marker for total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC). We also calculated the inter- and intra-observer variabilities of measurements for this parameter.


METHODS
The LA-descending aorta distance/descending aorta diameter ratios (post-LA space index) were obtained from 165 fetuses between 20 and 24 weeks of gestation. Regression analyses were utilized to evaluate the correlations across clinical parameters and the post-LA space index. Intraclass correlations coefficients were calculated for the intra- and inter-observer agreements of three examiners with different sonographic experience.


RESULTS
The mean (±SD) maternal and gestational age (GA) was 28.6±4.9 years and 21.7±0.9 weeks of gestation, respectively. In multivariate analyses, there was no correlation between post-LA space index and maternal age, fetal gender, or GA at cardiac scan. There were moderate to strong correlations across the measurements by different examiners, indicating good inter- and intra-observer agreements.


CONCLUSIONS
The post-LA space index during 20-24 weeks of gestation is a simple and reliable marker that is not affected by GA. However, its potential as a screening tool for TAPVC warrants further clinical investigation.
Mehmet Ozgur
MO
Akkurt
And
A
Yavuz
Iltac
I
Akkurt
Gokhan
G
Karakoc
Mekin
M
Sezik
D005260:Female; D005318:Fetal Heart / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D005865:Gestational Age; D006325:Heart Atria / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000196:embryology; D006801:Humans; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D015588:Observer Variation; D011247:Pregnancy; D011262:Pregnancy Trimester, Second; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012587:Scimitar Syndrome / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal