Longitudinal Reference Ranges for Tricuspid Annular Plane Systolic Excursion and Mitral Annular Plane Systolic Excursion in Normally Grown Fetuses.

Objectives The aim of this study was to construct reference ranges for fetal tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) and mitral annular plane systolic excursion (MAPSE) using conventional M-mode ultrasound (US) in the second half of pregnancy. Methods Participants underwent US scans every 4 weeks from 18 weeks' gestation until delivery. The TAPSE and MAPSE were measured by conventional M-mode US at each examination. The relationships between TAPSE and MAPSE and gestational age and estimated fetal weight were modeled by Bayesian mixed effects linear regression. Results Positive linear relationships were observed between both MAPSE and TAPSE and gestational age and estimated fetal weight. Reference centiles for TAPSE and MAPSE were developed. Conclusions This simple technique is a useful tool for assessing cardiac function and could be used for quantitative assessments of fetal cardiac function, particularly in high-risk pregnancies such as those complicated by maternal diabetes.