Longitudinal survey of fetal ventricular ejection and shortening fraction throughout pregnancy

Objectives To assess and compare the ejection fraction (EF) and shortening fraction (SF) of both ventricles through pregnancy. Materials Uncomplicated singleton pregnancies, of between 10 and 40 weeks' gestation, were recruited. Transabdominal two-dimensional M-mode imaging of the right ventricular EF (REF), right ventricular SF (RSF), left ventricul ar EF (LEF), and left ventricular SF (LSF) were performed. Doppler surveys were performed at (1) 10-14 weeks; (2) 15-19 weeks; (3) 20-24 weeks; (4) 25 -29 weeks; (5) 30-34 weeks; and (6) 35-40 weeks. The following values were measured: REF, RSF, LEF, LSF, REF/LEF and RSF/LSF. Results A total of 42 cases were included. The values of REF, RSF, LEF, and LSF for the six gestational time periods were (1) 0.86, 0.49, 0.85, 0.48; (2) 0.84, 0.48, 0.88, 0.51; (3) 0.76, 0.37, 0.84,0.48; (4) 0.75, 0.37, 0.84 , 0.48; (5) 0.76, 0.38, 0.83, 0.47; and (6) 0.77, 0.38, 0.84, 0.48, respect ively. The ratios of REF/LEF and RSF/LSF in each gestational time period we re: (1) 1.04, 1.11; (2) 0.95, 0.92; (3) 0.95, 0.90; (4) 0.94, 0.90; and (6) 0.92, 0.89, respectively. Conclusions After 20 weeks' gestation both the EF and SF of the right ventr icle decreased. A non-significant change in the LEF and LSF was observed th roughout pregnancy. A decreasing trend in the REF/LEF and RSF/LSF ratios du ring pregnancy was noted.