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Ultraschall Med 2014; 35(06): 566-572
DOI: 10.1055/s-0034-1384882
Original Article
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

First Experience with Three-Dimensional Speckle Tracking (3D Wall Motion Tracking) in Fetal Echocardiography

Erste Erfahrung mit dreidimensionalem Speckle Tracking (3D Wall Motion Tracking) in der fetalen Echokardiografie
C. Enzensberger
1   Department of OB&GYN, Philipps University, Division of Prenatal Medicine, Marburg
,
J. Degenhardt
2   Department of OB&GYN, Justus Liebig University, Division of Prenatal Medicine, Gießen
,
A. Tenzer
2   Department of OB&GYN, Justus Liebig University, Division of Prenatal Medicine, Gießen
,
A. Doelle
3   Ultrasound, Toshiba Medical Systems, Neuss
,
R. Axt-Fliedner
1   Department of OB&GYN, Philipps University, Division of Prenatal Medicine, Marburg
2   Department of OB&GYN, Justus Liebig University, Division of Prenatal Medicine, Gießen
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

12 February 2014

18 June 2014

Publication Date:
20 August 2014 (online)

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Abstract

Objectives: Fetal cardiac function can be quantified by different methods. This is the first approach of real three-dimensional(3 D)-based speckle tracking echocardiography in the fetus to assess different cardiac strain parameters.

Methods: We present preliminary results of fetal global myocardial strain analyses. For fetal echocardiography a Toshiba Artida system was used. Based on an apical or basal four-chamber view of the fetal heart, raw data volumes with a high temporal resolution were acquired and digitally stored.

Results: 8 individual healthy fetuses with an echocardiogram performed between 21 and 37 weeks of gestation were included. The mean temporal resolution was 31.2 ± 4.3 volumes per second (vps). Basic parameters such as longitudinal and circumferential strain as well as advanced 3 D myocardial motion patterns such as area strain, rotation, twist and torsion were assessed.

Conclusion: Currently the assessment of fetal myocardial deformation parameters by 3 D speckle tracking seems to be technically feasible only in individual cases. In the future further development of this technique is necessary to improve its application in fetal echocardiography.

Zusammenfassung

Ziel: Die fetale kardiale Funktion kann durch verschiedene Methoden ermittelt werden. Dies ist der erste Versuch von dreidimensional basierter Speckle-Tracking-Echokardiografie beim Feten zur Bestimmung kardialer Deformierungsparameter.

Material und Methoden: Wir stellen vorläufige Ergebnisse fetaler globaler myokardialer Strain-Analyse vor. Dazu wurde für die fetale Echokardiografie ein Toshiba-Artida-System eingesetzt. Basierend auf apikalen oder basalen Vierkammerblicken des fetalen Herzens, wurden Rohdaten-Volumina mit hoher zeitlicher Auflösung erhoben und digital gespeichert.

Ergebnisse: Acht gesunde Feten zwischen der 21. und 37. Schwangerschaftswoche, bei denen eine Echokardiografie durchgeführt wurde, wurden eingeschlossen. Die durchschnittliche zeitliche Auflösung lag bei 31,2 ± 4,3 Volumen/Sekunde (vps). Longitudinaler und zirkumferenzieller Strain als Basisparameter sowie zukunftsweisende myokardiale 3D-Parameter wie Area Strain, Rotation, Twist und Torsion wurden bestimmt.

Zusammenfassung: Derzeit ist die Bestimmung fetaler myokardialer Deformierungsparameter technisch nur in Einzelfällen möglich. Für die Zukunft ist eine Weiterentwicklung der Technik notwendig, damit eine Anwendung in der fetalen Echokardiografie verbessert werden kann.

Key words

3 D speckle tracking - fetal echocardiography - wall motion tracking - cardiac function
 

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