Importance of quantifiable right heart systolic function evaluation using tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) in fetuses and neonates

The Importance of Tissue Doppler Imaging and M‐Mode Ultrasonography in Fetuses With Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes

“…24 Some authors suggest that TAPSE measurement should be added to fetal heart function assessment because it contributes more to right ventricular dominance and cardiac output in the prenatal period. 16,25 Various studies have found a significant decrease in TAPSE in fetal growth restriction and twin-to-twin syndrome co-existing with fetal hemodynamic and vascular changes. 26,27 In the study in which we examined the cardiac changes in the fetuses of pregnant women with Familial Mediterranean Fever, which includes maternal and fetal inflammation in its pathophysiology, we previously showed that TAPSE was significantly reduced compared with healthy fetuses.…”

How to Acquire Cardiac Volumes for Sonographic Examination of the Fetal Heart

“…Thus, 2D echocardiography has limitations in the assessment of fetal cardiac function 123 , 124 . Other fetal cardiovascular parameters [eg, tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion 59 , 125 (Figure 11 and Video 14), ventricular mass, 85 and fractional shortening 57 (Figure 12 and Video 15)] have also been calculated using STIC technology. Counseling —Four‐dimensional sonography with STIC can result in an improved understanding of CHD by family members. Moreover, prenatal counseling, as well as interdisciplinary team consultation and management can be enhanced. Education and Training —The study and analysis of STIC volume data sets is useful for both medical education and professional training in fetal echocardiography. Telemedicine —Digital storage and review of STIC volume data sets by other examiners or consultative experts can occur at remote sites by transmitting files over networks 32 , 68 , 126 .…”

“…100,122 Thus, 2D echocardiography has limitations in the assessment of fetal cardiac function. 123,124 Other fetal cardiovascular parameters [eg, tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion 59,125 (Figure 11 and Video 14), ventricular mass, 85 and fractional shortening 57 (Figure 12 and Video 15)] have also been calculated using STIC technology.…”

How to Acquire Cardiac Volumes for Sonographic Examination of the Fetal Heart

“…A solid body of evidence suggests that 4D sonography with STIC facilitates examination of the fetal heart 3 , 4 , 5 , 11 – 37 and may also be used to evaluate fetal cardiac function 18 , 22 , 27 , 30 , 31 , 33 , 38 – 46 . This modality has also been used in the prenatal evaluation and diagnosis of congenital heart disease (CHD) 2 , 20 , 47 – 71 because it improves the ability to identify complex intracardiac relationships and can shorten the examination time 3 , 17 , 72 .…”

“…A solid body of evidence suggests that 4D sonography with STIC facilitates examination of the fetal heart 3,4,5, and may also be used to evaluate fetal cardiac function. 18,22,27,30,31,33,[38][39][40][41][42][43][44][45][46] This modality has also been used in the prenatal evaluation and diagnosis of congenital heart disease (CHD) 2,20, because it improves the ability to identify complex intracardiac relationships and can shorten the examination time. 3,17,72 These facts are important, since evaluation of the normal and abnormal fetal heart [73][74][75] using 2D sonography is one of the most challenging tasks in prenatal diagnosis.…”