Spatiotemporal Image Correlation Research Articles

Diagnostic value of four-dimensional ultrasonography with STIC combined with two-dimensional ultrasonography for fetal cardiac malformation and chromosomal abnormalities in early pregnancy.

Diagnostic value of four-dimensional ultrasonography with spatio-temporal image correlation (STIC) technique combined with two-dimensional ultrasonography for fetal cardiac malformation and chromosomal abnormalities in early pregnancy was investigated. Medical data of 178 pregnant women enrolled in Tianjin Central Hospital of Gynecology and Obstetrics for screening of fetal cardiac malformations and chromosomal abnormalities from January 2014 to March 2016 were collected. According to the results of the pregnant women's biopsy and the results of labor induction and delivery, 95 fetuses were diagnosed with chromosomal abnormalities and cardiac malformations, 40 fetuses with cardiac malformations and no chromosomal abnormalities, and 43 fetuses with neither cardiac malformations nor chromosomal abnormalities. Fetal cardiac malformations and chromosomal abnormalities were diagnosed by three methods: single two-dimensional ultrasonography, single four-dimensional ultrasonography with STIC, and a combination of two-dimensional ultrasonography and four-dimensional ultrasonography with STIC. The two-dimensional ultrasonography diagnosed 97 cases of fetal cardiac malformation and 61 cases of chromosomal abnormalities, four-dimensional ultrasonography with STIC diagnosed 122 cases of fetal cardiac malformation and 81 cases of chromosomal abnormalities. The combination of two-dimensional ultrasonography and four-dimensional ultrasonography diagnosed 130 cases of fetal cardiac malformation and 90 cases of chromosomal abnormalities. The sensitivities of four-dimensional ultrasonography with STIC and the combination of two-dimensional ultrasonography and four-dimensional ultrasonography were significantly higher than that of single examination by two-dimensional ultrasonography (P<0.05), while the diagnostic sensitivities by four-dimensional ultrasonography with STIC and the combined diagnosis were not statistically significant (P>0.05). The diagnostic accordance rates of the single four-dimensional ultrasonography and the combined diagnosis for fetal cardiac malformations and chromosomal abnormalities were not much different (P>0.05), but both were greatly higher than that of single two-dimensional ultrasonography diagnosis (P<0.05). Thus, a combination of four-dimensional ultrasonography with STIC and two-dimensional ultrasonography is recommended for screening fetal defects.

References Values of Fetal Heart Myocardial Volume by Three-Dimensional Ultrasound using Spatiotemporal Image Correlation and Virtual Organ Computer-Aided Analysis Methods and Their Applicability in Pregestational Diabetic Women

To determine reference values for myocardial volume of the fetal heart using three-dimensional ultrasound with spatiotemporal image correlation (STIC) and virtual organ computer-aided analysis (VOCAL) and to assess their applicability in women with pregestational diabetes. This retrospective cross-sectional study included 177 normal pregnant women with fetuses between 200/7 and 336/7 weeks of age. Fetal cardiac volumes were collected using the STIC method, and myocardial volume was obtained by subtraction of the intracavitary volumes using the VOCAL 30-degree method. Intra- and interobserver reproducibility values were determined using the concordance correlation coefficient (CCC). Sixteen women with pregestational diabetes mellitus were evaluated for validation. There was a strong correlation between fetal myocardial volume and gestational age (R 2 = 0.82). Intra- and interobserver reproducibility values were excellent and moderate, respectively, with CCCs of 0.99 and 0.83, respectively. There was no significant difference in mean fetal myocardial volume between normal pregnant women and those with pregestational diabetes (p = 0.64). Reference values for myocardial volume of the fetal heart were determined in normal pregnant women and were not statistically different from those in women with pregestational diabetes mellitus.

Is Fetal Intelligent Navigation Echocardiography Helpful in Screening for d-Transposition of the Great Arteries?

To evaluate the performance of fetal intelligent navigation echocardiography (FINE) applied to spatiotemporal image correlation (STIC) volumes in generating 3 specific abnormal cardiac views (left ventricular outflow tract, right ventricular outflow tract, and 3-vessel and trachea) used to screen for d-transposition of the great arteries (d-TGA). In this prospective study, 1 or more STIC volumes were obtained from the 4-chamber view in 34 second- and third-trimester fetuses with d-TGA. Each appropriate STIC volume was evaluated by STICLoop (Samsung Medison, Seoul, Korea) before applying the FINE method. One optimal volume per fetus was selected by observers. The visualization rates of the 3 specific abnormal cardiac views of d-TGA and their diagnostic elements were calculated, and the reliability between 2 observers was verified by the intraclass correlation coefficient. Fetal intelligent navigation echocardiography applied to STIC volume data sets of fetuses with d-TGA successfully generated the 3 specific abnormal cardiac views in the following manner for 2 observers: 75.0% (n = 21) for the left ventricular outflow tract, 89.2% (n = 25) for the right ventricular outflow tract, and 85.7% (n = 24) for the 3-vessel and trachea view. Twenty-four (85.7%) of the STIC volume data sets showed 2 or 3 of the abnormal cardiac views. The interobserver intraclass correlation coefficients between the 2 observers ranged from 0.842 to 1.000 (95% confidence interval), indicating almost perfect reliability for the 2 observers. In cases of d-TGA, the FINE method has a high success rate in generating 3 specific abnormal cardiac views and therefore can be performed to screen for this congenital defect.

EP09.07: New ultrasound technique in detection of fetal cardiac structure and function in normal pregnancy

To examine the potential of spatiotemporal image correlation (STIC) and tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) in the detection of fetal cardiac structure and function in normal pregnancy. 80 normal pregnancies were enrolled. Fetal echocardiogram was performed. STIC with M-mode display (STIC-M) was used to measure the thicknesses of the fetal ventricular wall and interventricular septum, and ventricular internal diameters at end-systole and end-diastole, and to calculate ventricular shortening fractions (SF). TDI ultrasound was used to measure fetal atrioventricular annular velocity in early diastole (Ea), annular velocity in late diastole(Aa) and annular velocity in systole (Sa), and to calculate the Ea/Aa ratios. Explore the trend of fetal cardiac structure and function in normal second and third trimester. The thickness of the fetal ventricular wall and interventricular septum at end-systole and end-diastole are in positive correlation with gestational age (P < 0.001). Ventricular internal diameter at end-systole and end-diastole are also in positive correlation with gestational age (P < 0.001). But left and right ventricular shortening fraction are in negative correlation with gestational age (P < 0.001). Ea, Aa, Ea/Aa and Sa of atrioventricular annulus are in positive correlation with gestational age. (P < 0.001). In normal second and third trimester, the thicknesses of the fetal ventricular wall and interventricular septum, and ventricular internal diameters at end-systole and end-diastole were increased with advancing gestation; the ventricular shortening fractions were decreased with advancing gestation; the Ea, Aa, Ea/Aa and Sa of atrioventricular annuluses were increased with advancing gestation. Fetal cardiac structure and function gradually become mature with the progress of pregnancy. STIC and TDI have certain value to detect fetal cardiac structure and function. Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.

OP11.04: Fetal speckle‐tracking echocardiography: a comparison between two‐dimensional and electronic spatiotemporal image correlation (e‐STIC) technique

OP11.04: Fetal speckle‐tracking echocardiography: a comparison between two‐dimensional and electronic spatiotemporal image correlation (e‐STIC) technique

Semiautomatic Fetal Intelligent Navigation Echocardiography Has the Potential to Aid Cardiac Evaluations Even in Less Experienced Hands.

To investigate the interobserver and intraobserver variability and corresponding learning curve in a semiautomatic approach for a standardized assessment of the fetal heart (fetal intelligent navigation echocardiography [FINE]). A total of 30 stored spatiotemporal image correlation volume data sets of second-trimester fetuses were evaluated by 3 physicians with different levels of expertise in fetal echocardiography by using the FINE approach. Data were analyzed regarding the examination time and proper reconstruction of the diagnostic cardiac planes. The completions and numbers of correct depictions of all diagnostic planes were evaluated by a blinded expert (time t0). To determine interobserver and intraobserver variability, the volumes were reassessed after a 4-week training interval (time t1). All operators were able to perform the investigation on all 30 volumes. At t0, the interobserver variability between the beginner and both the advanced (P = .0013) and expert (P < .0001) examiners was high. Focusing on intraobserver variability at t1, the beginner showed a marked improvement (P = .0087), whereas in advanced and expert hands, no further improvement regarding proper achievement of all diagnostic planes could be noticed (P > .999; P = .8383). The beginner also showed improvement in the mean investigation time (t0, 82.8 seconds; t1, 73.4 seconds; P = .0895); nevertheless, the advanced and expert examiners were faster in completing the examination (t1, advanced, 20.9 seconds; expert, 28.3 seconds; each P < .0001). Based on our results, the FINE technique is a reliable and easily learned method. The use of this semiautomatic work flow-based approach supports evaluation of the fetal heart in a standardized and time-saving manner. A semiautomatic evaluation of the fetal heart might be useful in facilitating the detection of fetal cardiac anomalies.

Evaluation of right ventricular volume and systolic function in normal fetuses using intelligent spatiotemporal image correlation.

BACKGROUNDHeart defects are the most common congenital malformations in fetuses. Fetal cardiac structure and function abnormalities lead to changes in ventricular volume. As ventricular volume is an important index for evaluating fetal cardiovascular development, an effective and reliable method for measuring fetal ventricular volume and cardiac function is necessary for accurate ultrasonic diagnosis and effective clinical treatment. The new intelligent spatiotemporal image correlation (iSTIC) technology acquires high-resolution volumetric images. In this study, the iSTIC technique was used to measure right ventricular volume and to evaluate right ventricular systolic function to provide a more accurate and convenient evaluation of fetal heart function.AIMTo investigate the value of iSTIC in evaluating right ventricular volume and systolic function in normal fetuses.METHODSBetween October 2014 and September 2015, a total of 123 pregnant women received prenatal ultrasound examinations in our hospital. iSTIC technology was used to acquire the entire fetal cardiac volume with off-line analysis using QLAB software. Cardiac systolic and diastolic phases were defined by opening of the atrioventricular valve and the subsequent closure of the atrioventricular valve. The volumetric data of the two phases were measured by manual tracking and summation of multiple slices and recording of the right ventricular end-systolic volume and the right ventricular end-diastolic volume. The data were used to calculate the right stroke volume, the right cardiac output, and the right ejection fraction. The correlations of changes between the above-mentioned indices and gestational age were analyzed. The right ventricular volumes of 30 randomly selected cases were measured twice by the same sonographer, and the intra-observer agreement measurements were calculated.RESULTSAmong the 123 normal fetuses, the mean right ventricular end-diastolic volume increased from 0.99 ± 0.34 mL at 22 wk gestation to 3.69 ± 0.36 mL at 35+6 wk gestation. The mean right ventricular end-systolic volume increased from 0.43 ± 0.18 mL at 22 wk gestation to 1.36 ± 0.22 mL at 35+6 wk gestation. The mean right stroke volume increased from 0.62 ± 0.29 mL at 22 wk gestation to 2.33 ± 0.18 mL at 35+6 wk gestation. The mean right cardiac output increased from 92.23 ± 40.67 mL/min at 22 wk gestation to 335.83 ± 32.75 mL/min at 35+6 wk gestation. Right ventricular end-diastolic volume, right ventricular end-systolic volume, right stroke volume, and right cardiac output all increased with gestational age and the correlations were linear (P < 0.01). Right ejection fraction had no apparent correlation with gestational age (P > 0.05).CONCLUSIONFetal right ventricular volume can be quantitatively measured using iSTIC technology with relative ease and high repeatability. iSTIC technology is expected to provide a new method for clinical evaluation of fetal cardiac function.

Evaluation of right ventricular function in fetuses with isolated single umbilical artery using spatiotemporal image correlation M-mode

BackgroundPostnatal outcome of fetuses with isolated single umbilical artery (SUA) is determined mainly by right ventricular function. Our study examined whether there are differences in right ventricular function during the gestation period of fetuses with isolated SUA compared to healthy fetuses.MethodsA prospective study was conducted on 77 fetuses with isolated SUA and 77 gestational age-matched controls from 22 to 39 weeks. For gestational age grouping, the isolated SUA fetuses and the control fetuses were divided into the second trimester group (22–27 weeks; 43 fetuses) and third trimester group (28–39 weeks; 34 fetuses). The fetal tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (f-TAPSE) M-mode was applied to the tricuspid annulus, parallel to the ventricular septum, and the amplitude of the resulting wave was assessed using spatiotemporal image correlation (STIC) M-mode. We investigated the possible changes to the STIC M-mode indices during the course of pregnancy in both the isolated SUA and control groups. The relationship between f-TAPSE and gestational age was analyzed. Additionally, the correlations between f-TAPSE and birth weight was analyzed, and the birth weight differences between the isolated SUA and control groups in the third trimester were analyzed according to postpartum results.ResultsThere was a significant difference in f-TAPSE between isolated SUA and control group in the third trimester (P < 0.05). There were significant correlations between gestational age (GA) and f-TAPSE among control fetuses (R2 = 0.9049; P < 0.01). A significant, positive correlation between GA and f-TAPSE was also found with isolated SUA fetuses (R2 = 0.8108; P < 0.01). The prevalence of small-for-gestational-age (SGA) fetuses and of discordant birth weight fetuses was significantly higher in the isolated SUA group than in the control group. In univariate analysis, the presence of an isolated SUA was associated with lower birth weight (2940 g compared with 3260 g) and with higher prevalence of SGA (13.0% compared with 3.9%; P < 0.01). The correlations between the birth weight and f-TAPSE in the two groups were analyzed in the third trimester, and the correlation in the isolated SUA group was better than that of the control group (R2 was 0.623 and 0.463 in the isolated SUA group and the control group, respectively).ConclusionsRight ventricular function in isolated SUA is altered as early as in fetal third trimester. STIC M-mode can measure the right heart function of the fetus and may predict isolated SUA with SGA.

Spatio-temporal image correlation (STIC) in evaluation of advanced neuroendocrine tumours.

4D Ultrasound technology merging the Power Doppler option called High-Definition Flow (HDF) with Spatio-Temporal Image Correlation (STIC) is used in gynaecology and obstetrics. It seems to be a promising tool in assessing tissue vascularisation. The aim of the paper was to assess whether HDF STIC technique could be a useful tool for the evaluation of gastro-entero-pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasm (GEP-NEN) advancement. Forty-eight patients [mean age 57.7 ± 10.3 years; male 40.9% (n = 18)] diagnosed with metastatic GEP-NENs were included in the analysis. All subjects were enrolled in the Department of Endocrinology and Neuroendocrine Tumours, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice. We analysed liver metastases. Patients with G3 grading or faintly vascularised lesions were excluded. HDF STIC volumes were acquired during USG examination. 4D indices [volumetric pulsatility index (vPI) and volumetric systolic/diastolic index (vS/D)] were calculated using dedicated software. There were no correlations between vS/D and Ki-67 [p = 0.67; r = -0.19; (-0.28-0.19)], CgA [p = 0.47; r = -0.11; (-0.38-0,19)], 5-HIAA [p = 0.52; r = -0.09 (-0.37-0.2)], serotonin [p = 0.83; r = -0.03 (-0.32-0.26)], and VCAM-1 (p = 0.62; r = 0.09 (-03-0.47)]. The were no correlations between vPI and Ki-67 [p = 0.29; r = -0.16 (-0.45-0.14)], CgA (p = 0.46; r = -0.11 (-0.39-0.19)], 5-HIAA [p = 0.52; r = -0.09 (-0.37-0.2)], serotonin [p = 0.82; r = -0.03 (-0.32-0.26)], and VCAM-1 (p = 0.62; r = -0.09 (-03-0.47)]. There was no significant difference between carcinoid versus non-carcinoid patients if compared by vS/D and vPI (p = 0.62, p = 0.61, respectively). HDF STIC seems not to be an efficient marker to assess advancement of NENs, due to lack of correlation with widely used and approved markers of progression.

Prenatal three-dimensional ultrasound detection of left pulmonary artery sling

Left pulmonary artery (LPA) sling is a very rare congenital anomaly. This anomaly is often associated with tracheal narrowing caused by either intrinsic stenosis or malformation of tracheal rings. To the present authors’ knowledge, prenatal diagnosis of LPA sling has not been reported frequently, and three-dimensional ultrasound was not used in any of the previous cases. The aim of this article is to report one case of LPA sling, which was diagnosed in a fetus at 24 weeks gestation by routine echocardiography and four-dimensional spatio-temporal image correlation (STIC), with focus on the particularity of this rare anomaly prenatally diagnosed.

Four-Dimensional Ultrasound for Evaluating Newborn Cardiac Output: A Pilot Study of Healthy Infants

Background: There is currently no reliable non-invasive method of measuring cardiac output in neonatal intensive care. Spatiotemporal image correlation (STIC) is a novel four-dimensional (4D) ultrasound technique that was developed to assess the foetal heart, and it may be a useful way to assess neonatal haemodynamics. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and reproducibility of determining neonatal cardiac output using STIC ultrasound in newborn infants. Design: Infants were recruited opportunistically from a neonatal intensive care unit and then examined by 2 independent observers. STIC was used to obtain images of the heart. End-diastolic and end-systolic ventricular volumes were measured using virtual organ computer-aided analysis (VOCAL) and used to calculate cardiac output. Reproducibility was assessed with intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and agreement with Bland-Altman analysis. Results: Twenty-four clinically stable infants of 34–43 weeks corrected gestational age were assessed. Both observers successfully acquired 4D STIC volumes in all infants. Left ventricular output showed good reproducibility, with an intra-observer ICC of 0.86 (0.69–0.94) and inter-observer ICC of 0.87 (0.70–0.95). Right ventricular output also showed good reproducibility, with an intra-observer ICC of 0.88 (0.70–95) and inter-observer ICC of 0.84 (0.63–0.93). Conclusions: Determining cardiac output using 4D STIC ultrasound is feasible and reproducible in well newborn infants. With further evaluation, this technique may provide valuable information about haemodynamic status in newborn infants requiring intensive care.

Diagnosis and prognosis of fetal inferior vena cava malformation by fetal echocardiography

Objective To summarize the characteristics of two-dimensional(2D) ultrasound, spatiotemporal imaging correlation(STIC) and vascular casting of fetal inferior vena cava(IVC) malformations, analyze the clinical characteristics and the prognosis of fetal IVC malformations, and explore the early diagnostic value of fetal echocardiography for fetal IVC malformations. Methods Sixty-one cases of fetal IVC malformation diagnosed by fetal echocardiography in Beijing Anzhen Hospital Maternal Fetal Medical Consultation Center were retrospectively analyzed. The clinical data, echocardiographic features, genetic testing information and prognosis were summarized. Results ①In the 61 cases of IVC malformation, there were 51 cases of absence of IVC, 46 cases of absence of liver segment, 5 cases of absence of left IVC hepatic segment, 9 cases of left IVC (including 5 cases of left IVC and absence of IVC hepatic segment), 5 cases of double IVC, and 1 case of right hepatic vein reflux. ②Ten fetuses of the 61 fetuses were simple IVC deformity without any other malformations. Other venous malformations included 7 cases of absence of right superior vena cava and persistent left superior venacava, 2 cases of absence of venous catheters, and 3 cases of persistent right umbilical vein, 2 cases were merged alone; 49 cases were merged with intracardiac structural malformations and arrhythmia. ③Thirty-eight pregnant women underwent Down′s screening or non-invasive DNA, all of which were at low risk.Four cases underwent amniocentesis, and no obviously abnormality was found. Sixteen cases underwent autopsy and genome sequencing after induced labor, one was single gene abnormalities (ZFPM2 classical mutation). ④STIC images were collected in 20 cases, and 19 cases were clearly visualized. ⑤Vascular cast was made to show the shape of blood vessel more clearly and stereoscopically in 4 cases of absent hepatic segment of IVC. ⑥Eleven fetuses were born and confirmed from the results of postnatal ultrasound, who were healthy in follow-up; 16 fetuses were induced labor; 33 fetuses were losed during follow-up; 1 fetus died after birth (arrhythmia). Conclusions Fetal echocardiography combined with STIC technology can clearly diagnose the anomalies of IVC. Vascular casting can provide stereoscopic and visual manifestations of the anomalies of IVC. The prognosis of simple anomalies of IVC is good. Key words: Echocardiography, Fetal; Inferior vena cava malformation; Spatiotemporal imaging correlation; Vascular cast

Fetal MRI and prenatal diagnosis of congenital heart defects

Fetal MRI and prenatal diagnosis of congenital heart defects

Reference range of fetal myocardial area by three-dimensional ultrasonography and its applicability in fetuses of pre-gestational diabetic women

Objective To determine the reference range for the myocardial area in healthy fetuses using three-dimensional (3D) ultrasonography and validate these results in fetuses of pregnant women with pre-gestational diabetes mellitus (DM). Methods This cross-sectional retrospective study included 168 healthy pregnant women between gestational weeks 20 and 33+6 days. The myocardial area was measured using spatio-temporal image correlation (STIC) in the four-chamber view. Polynomial regression models were used, and the goodness of fit of the models were evaluated by the coefficient of determination (R2). Intra- and inter-observer reproducibility was determined using the concordance correlation coefficient (CCC). Validation was performed in 30 pregnant women with pre-gestational DM. Results There was a strong correlation (R2=0.71, P<0.0001) between myocardial area and gestational age. There was good intra- and inter-observer reproducibility, with a CCC of 0.86 and 0.83, respectively. However, there was no significant difference in the mean myocardial area between healthy fetuses and fetuses of women with pre-gestational DM (0.11 cm2, P=0.55). Conclusion The reference range was determined for the myocardial area in fetuses, and there was no significant difference in this variable between healthy fetuses and the fetuses of women with pre-gestational DM.

Spatio-temporal image correlation rendering mode visualizes the specific location and surrounding structure of ventricular septal defect.

The limitations of traditional two-dimensional (2D) echocardiography in accurate diagnosis of ventricular septal defect (VSD) prompt the necessity of spatio-temporal image correlation (STIC) technology. Our study attemped to reconstruct the volume data of VSD using STIC rendering mode, and dynamically display the specific location and surrounding structure of VSD, in order to assist conventional 2D echocardiography. A total of 20 fetuses diagnosed as VSD using 2D echocardiography were enrolled in our study. Multiplane imaging mode was applied to obtain 2D four-chamber view, five-chamber view, and main artery short-axis view. STIC rendering mode was performed to collect volume data and visualize the shape, specific location and surrounding structure of VSD. A more detailed VSD classification for 20 VSD cases was identified. Based on the specific location and surrounding structure under STIC images, they were further subdivided into different types. STIC rendering mode intuitively showed the specific shape and surrounding structure of VSD. STIC technology can be used for definite classification and diagnosis of VSD, combining with 2D echocardiography to make a better therapeutic intervention in clinical practice. Clin. Anat. 32:408-420, 2019. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

"Basal Cell Migration" in Regeneration of the Corneal Wound-Bed.

In this issue of Stem Cell Reports, Park et al. (2019) describe real-time in vivo visual monitoring of keratin-14+, Confetti-labeled limbal epithelial stem cells and their progeny as they contribute to central corneal wound-healing. The authors show that corneal wounds initially heal by “basal epithelial cell migration” into the wound-bed.

HDlive Flow with Spatiotemporal Image Correlation for Assessment of Fetal Goiter

HDlive Flow with Spatiotemporal Image Correlation for Assessment of Fetal Goiter

Image Correlation Spectroscopy with Second Harmonic Generating Nanoparticles in Suspension and in Cells.

The absence of photobleaching, blinking, and saturation combined with a high contrast provides unique advantages of higher-harmonic generating nanoparticles over fluorescent probes, allowing for prolonged correlation spectroscopy studies. We apply the coherent intensity fluctuation model to study the mobility of second harmonic generating nanoparticles. A concise protocol is presented for quantifying the diffusion coefficient from a single spectroscopy measurement without the need for separate point-spread-function calibrations. The technique's applicability is illustrated on nominally 56 nm LiNbO3 nanoparticles. We perform label-free raster image correlation spectroscopy imaging in aqueous suspension and spatiotemporal image correlation spectroscopy in A549 human lung carcinoma cells. In good agreement with the expected theoretical result, the measured diffusion coefficient in water at room temperature is (7.5 ± 0.3) μm2/s. The diffusion coefficient in the cells is more than 103 times lower and heterogeneous, with an average of (3.7 ± 1.5) × 10-3 μm2/s.

OC26.04: The study on the value of high‐definition live flow imaging mode of spatiotemporal image correlation technology in the diagnosis of fetal complete vascular ring

OC26.04: The study on the value of high‐definition live flow imaging mode of spatiotemporal image correlation technology in the diagnosis of fetal complete vascular ring

Evaluation of ventricular systolic function in fetuses with congenital heart disease by spatio-temporal image correlation with M-mode display

Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of spatio-temporal image correlation with M-mode display (STIC-M) in monitoring fetal left ventricular systolic function in fetuses with congenital heart disease(CHD). Methods Five hundred and thirty-six normal fetuses and 34 fetuses with CHD(29 without hydrops and 5 with hydrops) were involved in the study. Left ventricular fractional shortening (LVFS) was measured using STIC-M. The data of normal fetuses was used to construct reference ranges of LVFS for assessment of fetuses with CHD. Results The LVFS of the normal fetuses [range: 26.8%-42.9%, mean: (34.9±4.1)%] was negatively correlated with gestational age (r=-0.16, P 0.05). Conclusions STIC-M is a new method that can be used to measure LVFS to evaluate fetal ventricular systolic function. The fetal ventricular contractile function of CHD fetuses without hydrops may not be damaged or is in compensation stage. The fetuses with cardiac hydrops generally become lower. Key words: Spatio-temporal image correlation; Fetus; Congenital heart disease; Ventricular function, left