title: Feasibility and Reproducibility of Two-Dimensional Wall Motion Tracking (WMT) in Fetal Echocardiography.
abstract: ObjectiveThe 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.MethodsA 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.ResultsA 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.ConclusionThe assessment of fetal myocardial deformation parameters by 2D WMT is technically feasible with good reproducibility.
authors.affiliation: Division of Prenatal Medicine, Department of OB&GYN, University Hospital UKGM, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany.
authors.forename: Christian
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Enzensberger
authors.affiliation: Division of Prenatal Medicine, Department of OB&GYN, University Hospital UKGM, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany.
authors.forename: Friederike
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Achterberg
authors.affiliation: Division of Prenatal Medicine, Department of OB&GYN, University Hospital UKGM, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany.
authors.forename: Jan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Degenhardt
authors.affiliation: Division of Prenatal Medicine, Department of OB&GYN, University Hospital UKGM, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany.
authors.forename: Aline
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Wolter
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.
authors.forename: Oliver
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Graupner
authors.affiliation: Statistical Consulting Service Giessen, Statistikberatung, Giessen, Germany.
authors.forename: Johannes
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Herrmann
authors.affiliation: Division of Prenatal Medicine, Department of OB&GYN, University Hospital UKGM, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany.
authors.forename: Roland
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Axt-Fliedner
keywords: cardiac function; fetal echocardiography; speckle tracking; wall motion tracking