ULTRASONIC ASSESSMENT OF CARDIOVASCULAR GEOMETRY AND FUNCTION IN THE HUMAN-FETUS

  • 1 January 1981
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 88  (9) , 870-875
Abstract
A new technique of studying fetal cardiac geometry and function from 2-dimensional real-time images is presented. A significant increase in left ventricular size with advancing gestational age was observed. Left ventricular cardiac output (LVCO) was 210 .+-. 48 ml/min (mean .+-. 1 SD) between 27-33 wk and 336 .+-. 35 ml/min between 34-41 wk gestation. Blood flow (mean flow) in the descending aorta during these 2 periods was 365 .+-. 80 and 490 .+-. 65 ml/min. In 4 fetuses, the LVCO per kilogram birth weight ranged between 114-123 ml/kg per min and the blood flow in the descending aorta between 168-179 ml/kg per min. If total cardiac output is considered to be twice the LVCO, the proportion of total cardiac output being distributed through the descending aorta and placenta is .apprx. 75% and 45%, respectively.

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