The role of spatio-temporal image correlation technique in diagnosis of fetal ductus arteriosus aneurysm

Abstract

Objective To explore the value of spatio-temporal image correlation (STIC) technique in diagnosis of fetal ductus arteriosus aneurysm (DAA). Methods A total of 67 pregnant women, diagnosed with fetal ductus arteriosus aneurysm, were selected from the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, between September 2014 and September 2016. 2DE and STIC techniques were used to observe the form of fetal ductus arteriosus aneurysm. STIC technique was used to measure the maximum diameter, minimum diameter, systolic peak velocity, and diastolic velocity of ductus arteriosus aneurysm in 40 cases caused by ductus arteriosus stenosis. Pearson linear correlation analysis was applied to analyze the correlation between the maximum diameter and the minimum diameter, systolic peak velocity and diastolic velocity. The maximum diameters of 67 ductus arteriosus aneurysm were measured by 2DE and STIC techniques, and the above measurements were repeated one week later. ICC was used to analyze the consistency between 2DE and STIC technique, and internal consistency of 2DE and STIC technique, respectively. Results Pearson linear correlation analysis showed that the maximum diameter of the DAA was negatively correlated with the minimum diameter (r=-0.755, P<0.001) significantly, and positively correlated with the systolic peak velocity (r=0.779, P<0.001) significantly. The internal consistency of STIC technique was the best of the three, followed by the consistency between 2DE and STIC techniques, with the 2DE, illustrating the lowest consistency. Conclusions STIC technique provides with more comprehensive and accurate volume data than 2DE in the diagnosis of fetal ductus arteriosus aneurysm. Thus, this technique is conducive to the early detection of ductus arterious stenosis, observation of hemodynamic changes, closely monitoring of relevant indicators to guide clinical timely intervention, and to improve the quality of life of children. Key words: Ductus arteriosus; Ultrasonography; Fetus