Evaluation of foetal tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion with conventional m-mode ultrasound in normal pregnancy

Abstract

Background: Foetal tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (fTAPSE) in-utero helps in the evaluation of the right foetal cardiac function, which is key in the early diagnosis of congenital heart defects and abnormalities. Objectives of the study was to assess foetal TAPSE in the second half of normal pregnancy, establish reference ranges for this measurement in our environment, and to determine the relationship of foetal TAPSE with gestational age and estimated foetal weight.Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between March 2022 and August 2022 at the Obstetric Units and Radiology Departments of the two tertiary facilities, one secondary facility and one radiodiagnostic facility in Bayelsa State, Nigeria. Consenting pregnant women presenting to the antenatal clinic during the second half of pregnancy were consecutively included. An obstetric ultrasound scan was performed transabdominally. Data were analysed using SPSS version 25.Results: There was a very strong, positive and significant relationship between fTAPSE and gestational age (ɼ=0.81; p=0.001); and between fTAPSE and estimated foetal weight (ɼ=0.79; p=0.001). The mean fTAPSE and standard deviation from the 20th to the 23rd week of gestation were 2.10±1.11 mm, 2.43±0.95, 2.74±0.84 mm and 2.94±0.70 mm, showing a gradual increase in mean fTAPSE as gestational age increases.Conclusions: Our study revealed that there was a significant relationship between fTAPSE and gestational age; and between fTAPSE and estimated foetal weight, which correlates with published data around the globe.