Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine (Aug 2022)

Z-score model of foetal ascending aorta diameter distensibility

  • Fuli Chen,
  • Fuli Chen,
  • Shi Zeng,
  • Aijiao Yi,
  • Lihua Chen,
  • Dan Zhou,
  • Yushan Liu,
  • Longmei Yao

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fcvm.2022.858235
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 9

Abstract

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ObjectiveThe purpose of this study is to establish Z-scores models of normal fetal ascending aorta diameter and diameter distensibility.MethodsThe maximum systolic diameter (Dmax), minimum diastolic diameter (Dmin), and diameter distensibility of the sinotubular junction were measured and taken as dependent variables in 490 normal fetuses at 18–40 gestational weeks, and gestational age (GA), biparietal diameter (BPD), and femoral length (FL) were taken as independent variables. The data were subjected to regression analysis, and the best-fitting equations for the dependent variables based on the independent variables were determined. The fitting equations were then applied to construct the Z-scores models.ResultsThe Dmax, Dmin and Diameter Distensibility in normal fetuses between 18 and 40 weeks of GA could be evaluated by utilizing the Z-scores models. Dmax and Dmin increased significantly with increasing GA, BPD, and FL. Diameter distensibility, assessed as (Dmax–Dmin)/Dmin, decreased significantly with increasing GA, BPD, and FL.ConclusionThe Z-scores are valuable, and can be utilized as a potent supplement to the conventional approach as they can indirectly reflect the development of fetal ascending aortic elastic property.

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