[Quantitative assessment of the right and the left ventricular function using pulsed Doppler myocardial performance index in normal fetuses at 18 to 40 weeks of gestation].

OBJECTIVE: To establish the values of the pulsed Doppler myocardial performance index (MPI, Tei index) for the left and the right ventricle in normal fetuses at 18 to 40 weeks gestation.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Echocardiography exams were performed in 140 normal fetuses at 18 to 40 weeks gestation at the tertiary centre for fetal cardiology MPI was calculated in pulsed Doppler using formula: (a-b)/b. The time a was measured from a closure click to the subsequent opening click of the mitral/tricuspid valve and time b from opening to the closure clicks of the aortic/pulmonary valve.

RESULTS: The mean MPI for the LV was 0.47 +/- 0.07 and for RV 0.48 +/- 0.1. There was no difference between the Tei index LV and the Tei index RV (p = 0.41). We observed a linear correlation between the Tei index LV and the Tei index RV (p = 0.008; r = 0.22). Fetal heart rate and gestational age had no effect on the MPI for both ventricles.

CONCLUSIONS: The assessed normal values of Tei index for the left and the right ventricles in fetuses may be used in comparison of myocardial performance in various clinical settings.