Evaluation of left and right atrial volumes and functions of fetuses in second and late trimester of pregnancy by atrial volume tracking

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the left atrial(LA) and right atrial(RA) volumes and functions of fetuses in second and late trimester by using atrial volume tracking (AVT). Methods One hundred and seventy-six fetuses were enrolled in this study. Using AVT, the maximal and minimal volumes of RA and LA were measured from time-atrial volume tracking curves. RA and LA ejection fraction (RAEF and LAEF) derived from the value of atrial maximal volumes( LAVmax, RAVmax) subtracted atrial minimal volumes (LAVmin, RAVmin) and divided by LAVmax or RAVmax. Pearson correlation analysis was used to analyze the relationships between LAVmax, RAVmax, LAVmin, RAVmin, LAEF, RAEF and gestational ages. Results For all normal cases, the volumes of LA and RA were closely correlated with gestational weeks(r=0.80, 0.85, 0.83, 0.82, P 0.05). Conclusions This study establishes normal reference values for fetal RA and LA volumes during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. The volumes of RA and LA are correlated with gestational weeks, and the volume of RA is bigger than that of LA. RAEF and LAEF are uncorrelated with gestational weeks, and there′s no difference between RVEF and LAEF. Key words: Echocardiography; Fetus; Atrial volume tracking; Atrial volume