Velocity vector imaging in evaluation of fetal right ventricular functions

AIM:To explore the value of velocity vector imaging (VVI) technology in detecting fetal right ventricular functions. METHODS: Digital dynamic four-chamber views of 64 normal fetuses were collected and analyzed offline using velocity vector imaging. The regional tissue velocity, strain, and strain rate of the six segments of the right lateral wall and interventricular septum were measured in systole and diastole. RESULTS: Tissue systolic maximum velocity (Vs) and diastolic maximum velocity (Vd) gradually decreased from the base segment to the apical segment (P<0.05), whereas the systolic maximum rate (S), systolic maximum strain rate (SRs) and diastolic maximum strain rate (SRd) were stable in all segments in each group (P>0.05). Vs and Vd of fetal right ventricle increased with gestational age, whereas S, SRs and SRd were stable throughout gestation (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Measurement of relevant parameters of VVI can provide the basis for clinical diagnosis. VVI is a useful method for evaluating fetal cardiac function, which can quantitatively detect regional functions of fetal right ventricle.