Longitudinal analysis of myocardial function and cerebral perfusion in fetuses with left heart defects

Purpose: Fetuses with left heart defects leading to reduced or retrograde perfusion of the aortic arch show decreased resistance in the cerebral arteries and reduced head growth. Aim of this study was to evaluate a linkage of these parameters alterations of fetal myocardial function. Methods: Longitudinal examination (20 – 26, 27 – 33 an 34 – 40 weeks of gestation) of fetuses with left heart defects (HLH, HLHC, critical aortic stenosis). Head circumference, umbilical artery and middle cerebral artery pulsatility index and the cerebro-placental ratio (CPR) were measured. Myocardial function was assessed by measur…