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Objective: To create prescriptive standards of cardiac morphometric and functional parameters in a cohort of uncomplicated monochorionic diamniotic (MCDA) twins., Method: Fetal echocardiography was performed in a cohort of uncomplicated monochorionic twin fetuses scanned longitudinally, including comprehensive morphometric and functional parameters, using 2-D imaging, M-mode and conventional Doppler. A multilevel polynomial hierarchical model adjusted by gestational age and estimated fetal weight was used to fit each cardiac parameter., Results: The global heart dimensions including the atrial and ventricular areas, the ventricles dimensions and myocardial wall thicknesses and most of the functional parameters, such as the longitudinal myocardial motion and the biventricular cardiac output showed a positive quadratic increment throughout pregnancy. On the other hand, the left ejection fraction, shortening fraction and right fractional area change decreased with gestational age. Scatterplots for the main structural and functional parameters and ratios by gestational age, with mean, 5th, 10th, 90th, and 95th percentiles are provided. Regression equations by estimated fetal weight are also created., Conclusion: We provide specific comprehensive echocardiographic prescriptive standards for uncomplicated MCDA twin fetuses following current standardized methodology. The implementation of these charts will potentially help to better identify abnormal cardiovascular parameters associated to monochorionic complications., (© 2021 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Objective: To construct nomograms for fetal cardiac, ventricular and atrial relative size and geometry parameters from 18 to 41 weeks' gestation using a low-risk population of singleton pregnancies., Methods: This was a prospective cohort study of 602 low-risk singleton pregnancies undergoing comprehensive fetal echocardiography, from 18 to 41 weeks of gestation, to assess fetal cardiac, atrial and ventricular relative size and sphericity, ventricular dominance, wall asymmetry and relative wall thickness. Intra- and interobserver measurement reproducibility was evaluated using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). In order to construct reference ranges across pregnancy, parametric regressions were tested to model each measurement against gestational age and estimated fetal weight. The measurements evaluated were: cardiothoracic ratio; atrial-to-heart area ratios; ventricular-to-heart area ratios; cardiac, ventricular and atrial sphericity indices; right-to-left basal and midventricular ratios; septal-to-free wall thickness ratios; and relative wall thickness., Results: Fetal cardiac, ventricular and atrial morphometry for assessing relative size and geometry could be successfully performed in > 95% of the population, with moderate-to-excellent interobserver reproducibility (ICC, 0.623-0.907) and good-to-excellent intraobserver reproducibility (ICC, 0.787-0.938). Cardiothoracic ratio and ventricular right-to-left ratio showed a modest increase throughout gestation. Atrial-to-heart and ventricular-to-heart area ratios, atrial sphericity indices and septal-to-free wall thickness ratios were constant with gestational age. Left and right ventricular basal sphericity indices showed a tendency to decrease at the end of gestation, while left and right midventricular sphericity indices tended to decrease in the second trimester. The cardiac sphericity index and left and right relative wall thickness showed a modest decrease with gestational age. Nomograms across gestation were constructed for all echocardiographic parameters described., Conclusions: The assessment of cardiac, ventricular and atrial relative size and geometry is feasible and reproducible in the fetus. We provide standardized reference ranges for these parameters throughout gestation, enabling the accurate assessment of cardiac remodeling patterns during fetal life. © 2020 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology., (© 2020 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.)

To improve the understanding of the pathophysiology of transposition of the great arteries with intact ventricular septum (TGA/IVS) and the cardiac remodeling occurring from fetal to neonatal life, we performed a morphometric and functional echocardiographic assessment in fetuses and newborns. This was a prospective case-control study performed in a tertiary referral center, which included fetuses and newborns with a diagnosis of TGA/IVS between 2011 and 2018. Morphometry and systolic and diastolic function parameters were compared with age and body surface-matched healthy controls. Twenty-one TGA/IVS patients were included during the study period and morphometric and functional echocardiographic data were recorded. TGA/IVS patients showed morphometric and functional changes of increased overall volume and output, predominantly in the aortic component from fetus to newborn, probably due to compensatory mechanisms secondary to brain hypoxia.

Objectives: Fetal right ventricular (RV) function assessment is challenging due to the RV geometry and limitations of in utero assessment. Postnatally, 2D echocardiographic RV fractional area change (FAC) is used to assess RV global systolic function by calculating the percentage of change in RV area from systole to diastole. Reports on FAC are scarce in prenatal life, and nomograms throughout pregnancy are not available. Our aims were (1) to study prenatal RV FAC feasibility and reproducibility and (2) to construct nomograms for RV FAC and end-diastolic (ED) and end-systolic (ES) RV areas from 18 to 41 weeks of gestation., Methods: Prospective cohort study including 602 low-risk singleton pregnancies undergoing a fetal echocardiography from 18 to 41 weeks of gestation. RV ED and ES areas were measured following standard recommendations for ventricular dimensions and establishing strict landmarks to identify the different phases of the cardiac cycle. RV FAC was calculated as: ([ED area - ES area]/ED area) × 100. RV FAC intra- and inter-observer reproducibility was evaluated in 45 fetuses by calculating the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Parametric regressions were tested to model each parameter against gestational age (GA) and estimated fetal weight (EFW)., Results: RV areas and FAC were successfully obtained in ∼99% of fetuses with acceptable reproducibility throughout gestation (RV ED area inter-observer ICC [95% CI] 0.96 [0.93-0.98], RV ES area 0.97 [0.94-0.98], and FAC 0.69 [0.44-0.83]). Nomograms were constructed for RV ED and ES areas and FAC. RV areas showed a quadratic and logarithmic increase with GA and EFW, respectively. In contrast, RV FAC showed a slight quadratic decrease throughout gestation (mean RV FAC ranged from 36% at 18 weeks of gestation [10-90th centiles: 25-47%, respectively] to 29% at 41 weeks [10-90th centiles: 18-40%, respectively]). The best models for RV areas and FAC were a second-degree polynomial., Conclusions: RV FAC is a feasible and reproducible parameter to assess RV global systolic function in fetal life. We provide reference ranges adjusted by GA and EFW that can be used as normal references for the assessment of RV function in prenatal conditions., (© 2019 S. Karger AG, Basel.)

Objective: M-mode and 2D have been proposed for evaluating fetal myocardial thickness. However, studies comparing the performance of both modalities are lacking. We aimed to compare 2D versus M-mode reproducibility for assessing myocardial wall thicknesses., Methods: A prospective study including 45 healthy fetuses from low-risk pregnancies evaluated between 18 and 41 weeks of gestation. Left and right ventricular free-wall and septal myocardial thicknesses were measured at end-diastole (ED) and end-systole (ES) in transverse 4-chamber view using 2D and M-mode. Intra- and interobserver reproducibility was evaluated by the concordance correlation coefficient (CCC). Both techniques were compared by t-test of the CCC., Results: 2D and M-mode demonstrated excellent and similar intraobserver repeatability, with the best concordance in ES septal thickness (M-mode CCC 0.956 versus 2D-mode CCC 0.914). Interobserver reproducibility demonstrated also a high concordance, optimal in ES left ventricular free wall (M-mode 0.925 versus 2 D 0.855). Comparison of both techniques demonstrated a high concordance in all measurements, except for ED septal thickness with better reproducibility using M-mode (CCC 0.954 versus 0.847, p = .017)., Conclusions: 2D and M-mode can be used in a reproducible manner for measuring fetal myocardial thickness, with a slightly better performance of M-mode for assessing ED septal wall thickness.

Objectives: To define the pattern of fetal echocardiographic changes associated with isolated pulmonary valve stenosis (PS) and to correlate the echocardiographic findings with neonatal outcome and the need for postnatal pulmonary valvuloplasty within the first 12 months postpartum., Methods: This was a prospective cohort study between January 2009 and October 2015 of 16 fetuses with isolated PS and 48 controls matched by gestational age at ultrasound examination (± 2 weeks) evaluated at the Fetal Cardiology Unit at BCNatal (Barcelona). Standard fetal ultrasound and comprehensive echocardiography, which included cardiovascular morphometric parameters, and systolic and diastolic functional and timing measurements, were performed in all cases. Baseline characteristics and perinatal outcome were retrieved from clinical records. Cases were followed up until 12 months of age, and admission to intensive care unit, days of hospitalization, need for prostaglandins and requirement for postnatal surgery were reviewed. Fetal PS cases were analyzed according to the need for postnatal pulmonary valvuloplasty., Results: The study groups were similar in terms of baseline, fetal ultrasound and perinatal characteristics. Median gestational age at diagnosis of PS was 33.4 (range, 20.0-36.5) weeks. Most cases corresponded to mild or moderate PS; only three fetuses had reversed flow in the ductus arteriosus before delivery. Six (37.5%) newborns, including all three with reversed flow in the ductus arteriosus prenatally, required postnatal pulmonary valvuloplasty. Fetuses with PS presented with larger and more globular hearts, with increased myocardial wall thickness in the third trimester. Despite preserved right ventricular (RV) ejection fraction and systolic longitudinal motion, PS cases showed increased right cardiac output and signs of diastolic dysfunction, with higher ductus venosus pulsatility index (0.72 ± 0.32 vs 0.53 ± 0.16, P = 0.004) and tricuspid E/E' ratio (7.52 ± 3.07 vs 5.76 ± 1.79, P = 0.022). In addition, fetuses with PS displayed a compensatory increase in left ventricular (LV) radial and longitudinal motion, as shown by a higher ejection fraction (79.3 ± 8.23% vs 67.6 ± 11.3%, P = 0.003) and mitral annular-plane systolic excursion (5.94 ± 1.38 vs 5.0 ± 1.22 mm, P = 0.035). Finally, fetuses requiring postnatal pulmonary valvuloplasty showed a different pattern of echocardiographic findings from those not requiring valvuloplasty, with a significantly smaller RV and pulmonary valve diameter, reduced tricuspid annular-plane systolic excursion (5.08 ± 1.59 vs 8.07 ± 1.93 mm, P = 0.028), increased LV cardiac output (340 ± 16 vs 176 ± 44 mL/min/kg, P = 0.003) and more pronounced signs of LV diastolic dysfunction (mitral E' velocity, 5.78 ± 0.90 vs 8.16 ± 1.58 cm/s, P = 0.008)., Conclusions: Fetuses with PS present with more hypertrophic, larger and more globular hearts in the third trimester of pregnancy, associated with a higher right cardiac output and impaired biventricular relaxation. In addition, signs of increased LV contraction were observed. Our data suggest that RV and LV functional parameters could be useful for predicting the need for postnatal pulmonary valvuloplasty. Copyright © 2017 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd., (Copyright © 2017 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Objectives: To report on the accuracy of fetal echocardiography in the distinction between truncus arteriosus communis (CAT) and pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect (PA-VSD) and to describe the association with extracardiac and chromosomal anomalies., Methods: This was a retrospective study on 31 fetuses with a single arterial trunk overriding a VSD with a nonidentifiable right ventricle outflow tract with anterograde flow. Data on the type of cardiac defect, gestational age, characteristics of the arterial trunk valve, presence of additional vascular, chromosomal and extracardiac abnormalities and postnatal outcome were obtained. Misdiagnosed cases were reevaluated by four-dimensional spatiotemporal image correlation (4D-STIC) echocardiography., Results: The overall diagnostic accuracy was 81% and increased to 93.5% with 4D-STIC. Chromosomal and extracardiac anomalies were detected in 40 and 27%, respectively. In the PA-VSD group, patent ductus arteriosus and major aortopulmonary collateral arteries (MAPCAs) were present in 70 and 50% of the cases, respectively, coexisting in 1 of 5 cases. MAPCAs were significantly associated with a right aortic arch and with a 22q11 microdeletion in 50% of cases., Conclusions: A prenatal distinction between CAT and PA-VSD can currently be achieved in most cases. MAPCAs should be actively searched for when PA-VSD is suspected, as they are associated with a higher risk of 22q11 microdeletion and potentially complicate postnatal treatment., (© 2015 S. Karger AG, Basel.)

This article, published in the journal Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology, discusses a study conducted from 2011 to 2023 that aimed to define the cardiovascular remodeling and function in fetuses with tetralogy of Fallot (ToF) using speckle tracking echocardiography (STE). The study included 63 ToF fetuses and 66 low-risk pregnancies as a control group. The results showed that ToF fetuses exhibited signs of cardiac remodeling, with a lower sphericity index and decreased biventricular deformation. Additionally, a higher incidence of placental diseases, such as pre-eclampsia and fetal growth restriction, was observed in pregnancies with ToF fetuses. [Extracted from the article]

Objectives: Fetal cardiac function can be evaluated using a variety of parameters. Among these, cardiac cycle time‐related parameters, such as filling time fraction (FTF) and ejection time fraction (ETF), are promising but rarely studied. We aimed to report the feasibility and reproducibility of fetal FTF and ETF measurements using pulsed‐wave Doppler, to provide reference ranges for fetal FTF and ETF, after evaluating their relationship with heart rate (HR), gestational age (GA) and estimated fetal weight (EFW), and to evaluate their potential clinical utility in selected fetal conditions. Methods: This study included a low‐risk prospective cohort of singleton pregnancies and a high‐risk population of fetuses with severe twin–twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS), aortic stenosis (AoS) or aortic coarctation (CoA), from 18 to 41 weeks' gestation. Left ventricular (LV) and right ventricular inflow and outflow pulsed‐wave Doppler signals were analyzed, using valve clicks as landmarks. FTF was calculated as: (filling time/cycle time) × 100. ETF was calculated as: (ejection time/cycle time) × 100. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were used to evaluate the intra‐ and interobserver reproducibility of FTF and ETF measurements in low‐risk fetuses. The relationships of FTF and ETF with HR, GA and EFW were evaluated using multivariate regression analysis. Reference ranges for FTF and ETF were then constructed using the low‐risk population. Z‐scores of FTF and ETF in the high‐risk fetuses were calculated and analyzed. Results: In total, 602 low‐risk singleton pregnancies and 54 high‐risk fetuses (nine pairs of monochorionic twins with severe TTTS, 16 fetuses with AoS and 20 fetuses with CoA) were included. Adequate Doppler traces for FTF and ETF could be obtained in 95% of low‐risk cases. Intraobserver reproducibility was good to excellent (ICC, 0.831–0.905) and interobserver reproducibility was good (ICC, 0.801–0.837) for measurements of all timing parameters analyzed. Multivariate analysis of FTF and ETF in relation to HR, GA and EFW in low‐risk fetuses identified HR as the only variable predictive of FTF, while ETF was dependent on both HR and GA. FTF increased with decreasing HR in low‐risk fetuses, while ETF showed the opposite behavior, decreasing with decreasing HR. Most recipient twins with severe TTTS showed reduced FTF and preserved ETF. AoS was associated with decreased FTF and increased ETF in the LV, with seemingly different patterns associated with univentricular vs biventricular postnatal outcome. The majority of fetuses with CoA had FTF and ETF within the normal range in both ventricles. Conclusions: Measurement of FTF and ETF using pulsed‐wave Doppler is feasible and reproducible in the fetus. The presented reference ranges account for associations of FTF with HR and of ETF with HR and GA. These time fractions are potentially useful for clinical monitoring of cardiac function in severe TTTS, AoS and other fetal conditions overloading the heart. © 2020 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Coarctation of the aorta (CoA) is associated with left ventricular (LV) dysfunction in neonates and adults. Cardiac structure and function in fetal CoA and cardiac adaptation to early neonatal life have not been described. We aimed to investigate the presence of cardiovascular structural remodeling and dysfunction in fetuses with CoA and their early postnatal cardiac adaptation.Methods: This was a prospective observational case-control study, conducted between 2011 and 2018 in a single tertiary referral center, of fetuses with CoA and gestational age-matched normal controls. All fetuses/neonates underwent comprehensive echocardiographic evaluation in the third trimester of pregnancy and after birth. Additionally, myocardial microstructure was assessed in one fetal and one neonatal CoA-affected heart specimen, using synchrotron radiation-based X-ray phase-contrast microcomputed tomography and histology, respectively.Results: We included 30 fetuses with CoA and 60 gestational age-matched controls. Of these, 20 CoA neonates and 44 controls were also evaluated postnatally. Fetuses with CoA showed significant left-to-right volume redistribution, with right ventricular (RV) size and output dominance and significant geometry alterations with an abnormally elongated LV, compared with controls (LV midventricular sphericity index (median (interquartile range; IQR), 2.4 (2.0-2.7) vs 1.8 (1.7-2.0); P < 0.001). Biventricular function was preserved and no ventricular hypertrophy was observed. Synchrotron tomography and histological assessment revealed normal myocyte organization in the fetal and neonatal specimens, respectively. Postnatally, the LV in CoA cases showed prompt remodeling, becoming more globular (LV midventricular sphericity index (mean ± SD), 1.5 ± 0.3 in CoA vs 1.8 ± 0.2 in controls; P < 0.001) with preserved systolic and normalized output, but altered diastolic, parameters compared with controls (LV inflow peak velocity in early diastole (mean ± SD), 97.8 ± 14.5 vs 56.5 ± 12.9 cm/s; LV inflow peak velocity in atrial contraction (median (IQR), 70.5 (60.1-84.9) vs 47.0 (43.0-55.0) cm/s; LV peak myocardial velocity in atrial contraction (mean ± SD), 5.1 ± 2.6 vs 6.3 ± 2.2 cm/s; P < 0.05). The neonatal RV showed increased longitudinal function in the presence of a patent arterial duct.Conclusions: Our results suggest unique fetal cardiac remodeling in CoA, in which the LV stays smaller from the decreased growth stimulus of reduced volume load. Postnatally, the LV is acutely volume-loaded, resulting in an overall geometry change with higher filling velocities and preserved systolic function. These findings improve our understanding of the evolution of CoA from fetal to neonatal life. Copyright © 2020 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To determine the longitudinal behavior of fetal biometric measures and cerebroplacental hemodynamics throughout gestation in fetuses with congenital heart disease (CHD).Methods: Fetal biometry and Doppler hemodynamics (uterine artery (UtA), umbilical artery (UA) and fetal middle cerebral artery (MCA)) were measured serially in a cohort of consecutive fetuses diagnosed with CHD. Evaluations were made at various time points, from diagnosis (20-25 weeks) to delivery, with at least two measurements per fetus that were at least 2 weeks apart. Fetuses were classified into three groups according to the pattern of blood supply to the brain (placental vs systemic) that would be expected on the basis of the type of CHD. All parameters were transformed into Z-scores. A linear mixed model to analyze repeated measurements was constructed for each parameter to assess its behavior throughout gestation.Results: Four hundred and forty-four ultrasound examinations were performed in 119 CHD fetuses, with a median of two measurements per fetus. The fetuses presented a small head at diagnosis (biparietal diameter (BPD) Z-score, -1.32 ± 0.99; head circumference (HC) Z-score, -0.79 ± 1.02), which remained small throughout gestation. UtA and UA pulsatility indices (PI) showed a significant increase towards the end of pregnancy, whereas no significant changes were observed in MCA-PI or cerebroplacental ratio (CPR) with gestational age. Both MCA and CPR presented significant differences in longitudinal behavior between CHD groups, while BPD and HC did not.Conclusions: CHD fetuses have a relatively small head from the second trimester of pregnancy, regardless of the type of CHD anomaly, and increasing resistance in the UtA and UA as pregnancy progresses, suggestive of increasing degree of placental impairment. Our findings indicate the early onset of mechanisms that could lead to poorer neurodevelopment later in life. Copyright © 2016 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Fetuses with congenital heart disease (CHD) show evidence of abnormal brain development before birth, which is thought to contribute to adverse neurodevelopment during childhood. Our aim was to evaluate whether brain development in late pregnancy can be predicted by fetal brain Doppler, head biometry and the clinical form of CHD at the time of diagnosis.Methods: This was a prospective cohort study including 58 fetuses with CHD, diagnosed at 20-24 weeks' gestation, and 58 normal control fetuses. At the time of diagnosis, we recorded fetal head circumference (HC), biparietal diameter, middle cerebral artery pulsatility index (MCA-PI), cerebroplacental ratio (CPR) and brain perfusion by fractional moving blood volume. We classified cases into one of two clinical types defined by the expected levels (high or low) of placental (well-oxygenated) blood perfusion, according to the anatomical defect. All fetuses underwent subsequent 3T-magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 36-38 weeks' gestation.Results: Abnormal prenatal brain development was defined by a composite score including any of the following findings on MRI: total brain volume <  10(th) centile, parietoccipital or cingulate fissure depth <  10(th) centile or abnormal metabolic profile in the frontal lobe. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that MCA-PI (odds ratio (OR), 12.7; P = 0.01), CPR (OR, 8.7; P = 0.02) and HC (OR, 6.2; P = 0.02) were independent predictors of abnormal neurodevelopment; however, the clinical type of CHD was not.Conclusions: Fetal brain Doppler and head biometry at the time of CHD diagnosis are independent predictors of abnormal brain development at birth, and could be used in future algorithms to improve counseling and targeted interventions. Copyright © 2015 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Objectives To evaluate the associations between congenital heart disease ( CHD) and head biometry and cerebrovascular blood flow dynamics at the time of diagnosis of CHD in the second trimester of pregnancy. Methods This was a study of 95 consecutive fetuses diagnosed with CHD. At the time of diagnosis, fetal biometry was performed and brain perfusion was assessed by middle cerebral artery pulsatility index ( MCA-PI), cerebroplacental ratio ( CPR) and fractional moving blood volume ( FMBV). The results were compared with those of 95 normal fetuses matched for gestational age. Results Median gestational age at diagnosis was 22 + 3 (range, 20 + 0 to 23 + 5) weeks. Fetuses with CHD showed significantly lower MCA-PI and CPR Z-scores (−0.23 vs 0.34 and −0.37 vs 0.30, respectively; both P < 0.001) and higher FMBV Z-scores (2.35 vs 0.15; P < 0.001). FMBV > 95th percentile was observed in 81.1% of cases as compared with 10.5% in controls ( P < 0.001). Moreover, cases showed significantly smaller biparietal diameter ( BPD) and head circumference ( HC) Z-scores (−1.61 vs −0.43 and −0.89 vs 0.09, respectively; both P < 0.001), with a higher proportion of BPD and HC measurements below the 5th percentile compared with controls (51.6% vs 13.7% and 26.3% vs 4.2%, respectively; both P < 0.001). These findings were more pronounced in those cases with types of CHD associated with compromised oxygenated blood delivery to the brain, such as left outflow tract obstruction and transposition of the great arteries. Conclusions A high proportion of fetuses with CHD have a smaller head and increased brain perfusion already in the second trimester, suggesting an early onset of the mechanisms leading to poorer neurodevelopment later in life. Copyright © 2014 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives To construct gestational age (GA)- and estimated fetal weight (EFW)-adjusted reference ranges for tissue Doppler cardiac function parameters from 24 to 41 weeks' gestation. Methods This was a prospective cross-sectional observational study involving 213 singleton pregnancies between 24 and 41 weeks' gestation. Myocardial peak velocities and myocardial performance index (MPI′) were measured by tissue Doppler ultrasonography (values indicated by 'prime') in the left and right annulus and interventricular septum. Left and right atrioventricular parameters were also measured by conventional Doppler and ratios between the values found by the two methods calculated. Regression analysis was used to determine GA- and EFW-adjusted reference ranges and to construct nomograms for tissue Doppler parameters. Results All myocardial peak velocities, left and right E′/A′ and left MPI′ showed a progressive increase with GA. In contrast, left and right E/E′ showed a progressive decline. Septal E′/A′, and right and septal MPI′ remained constant. Myocardial peak velocities showed a progressive increase with increasing fetal weight. Conclusions Normal data of fetal myocardial peak velocities, their ratios and MPI′ by tissue Doppler adjusted by GA and EFW are provided. The reported reference values may be useful in research or clinical studies and can be used in fetuses with intrauterine growth restriction. Copyright © 2011 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on a study that assesses the accuracy of four-dimensional (4D) spatiotemporal image correlation (STIC) echocadiography for the diagnosis of fetal congenital heart disease (CHD) in a selected high-risk population. It states that 363 pregnant women who were suspected CHD on screening ultrasound was the subjects of the research. The study found out that 4D-STIC echocardiography conducted by experienced operators can be used in fetuses at risk for cardiac anomalies.

The article presents a study on the impact of pre-eclampsia (PE) on the cardiovascular dysfunction of preterm intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) fetuses with peripheral Doppler abnormalities. It measures the cord blood-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels of 31 normotensive IUGR case and 31 IUGR case with PE to assess the dysfunction. It reveals that PE does not cause cardiovascular dysfunction in IUGR fetuses as shown in the similar degree of dysfunction for IUGR fetuses with and without PE.

An abstract of the conference paper "Effectiveness of early fetal echocardiography with 4D-STIC technology," by M. Bennasar and colleagues is presented.

An abstract of the article "Longitudinal annular displacement by M-mode ( MAPSE/ TAPSE) is abnormal in both recipient and donor in twin-twin transfusion syndrome before and after laser surgery" by J. U. Ortiz and colleagues is presented.

An abstract of the conference paper "Effectiveness of 4D-STIC echocardiography for conotruncal anomalies diagnosis," by J. Martinez and colleagues is presented.