Ultrasound in obstetrics & gynecology : the official journal of the International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol · Aug 2013
Multicenter StudyFetal tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (f-TAPSE): evaluation of fetal right heart systolic function with conventional M-mode ultrasound and spatiotemporal image correlation (STIC) M-mode.
Fetal tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (f-TAPSE) is a modified method to measure the vertical movement of the tricuspid valve annulus by M-mode ultrasound, in order to assess the fetal right heart. Evaluation of right heart function is well-recognized in pediatric and adult cardiology, but has not been studied widely in the fetus. We aimed to study f-TAPSE in the second half of gestation in normal fetuses, to establish reference ranges for this measure, to evaluate the usefulness of spatiotemporal image correlation (STIC) M-mode in obtaining it, and to compare conventional M-mode and STIC M-mode-based measures of f-TAPSE. ⋯ F-TAPSE in normal fetuses increases over the course of gestation and correlates to EFW. F-TAPSE measurement is easy to perform and available on all ultrasound machines; STIC f-TAPSE is possible on machines with STIC capability and produces similar measures with a greater success rate. We suggest the addition of f-TAPSE measurement to fetal right cardiac function evaluation.
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Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol · Aug 2013
Observational StudyThe fetal larynx and pharynx: structure and development on two- and three-dimensional ultrasound.
To present a systematic approach for evaluating the fetal pharynx and larynx based on two- and three-dimensional ultrasound (2D-US and 3D-US) modalities, describing the sonographic appearance and function of the fetal upper respiratory tract and measuring the anatomical components of the pharynx and larynx. ⋯ The fetal larynx and pharynx can be evaluated thoroughly using 2D- and 3D-US modalities. Knowledge of normal anatomy, function and biometry may prove useful in the evaluation of anatomical or functional pathology involving the fetal upper respiratory tract. Recognition of anatomical anomalies may enhance fetal intervention such as balloon placement in cases of diaphragmatic hernia.
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Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol · Aug 2013
Intensive training program for ultrasound diagnosis of adnexal masses: protocol and preliminary results.
To assess the feasibility of a specific training program for ultrasound diagnosis of adnexal masses. ⋯ The proposed training program appears to be feasible. High diagnostic performance can be achieved after analysis of 200 cases and maintained thereafter.