Myocardial deformation analysis in late-onset small-for-gestational-age and growth-restricted fetuses using two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography: a prospective cohort study

Objectives An association between fetal growth restriction (FGR) and increased predisposition to cardiovascular disease (CVD) is suggested. The aim of this study was to evaluate subclinical signs of fetal cardiac remodeling in late-onset small-for-gestational-age (SGA) and growth-restricted fetuses using two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2D-STE). Methods This is a prospective cohort study, including 117 late-onset (≥32 weeks) SGA (birthweight≤10th centile) fetuses and 102 gestational age matched controls. A subgroup analysis was performed: FGR was defined based on either BW (<third centile) or the presence of feto-maternal Doppler abnormalities, the remaining cases were called SGA centile 3–10. 2D-STE based myocardial deformation analyses included longitudinal peak systolic strain (LPSS) and strain rate (LSR) of the global left (LV) or right (RV) ventricle and its individual segments. Results Global and segmental LPSS and LSR values showed no significant difference between late-onset SGA and control fetuses for both ventricles (p>0.05). Regarding global and segmental LPSS and LSR values of LV/RV, subgroup analysis revealed no significant difference between the FGR (n=81), SGA centile 3–10 (n=36) and control group. Conclusions A mild degree of placental dysfunction seems not to influence myocardial deformation properties measured by 2D-STE.