The purpose of this study is to evaluate the feasibility using real-time four-dimensional (RT 4D) volume imaging with electronic matrix probe to observe the morphology of atrioventricular valves in normal and abnormal fetuses, measure the area and circumference of atrioventricular valves in normal fetuses and analyze the correlation with gestational age. RT 4D volume imaging with electronic matrix probe was used to collect cardiac volume data of 162 normal fetuses with the gestational age from 22 to 32 weeks and 19 fetuses with atrioventricular valves abnormalities were also enrolled. All the volume data were analyzed and processed in real-time. The morphology of mitral and tricuspid valves was observed in surface mode. The area and circumference of valves were measured in a 4D render view at the end of diastole and analyzed the correlation with gestational age. In 148 of 162 fetuses (91%), the 4D rendered image could be successfully obtained, which clearly showed the morphology of the atrioventricular valves. The area and circumference of mitral and tricuspid valves were positively correlated with gestational age (P < 0.01). Furthermore, 4D rendered images were successfully obtained in 17 of 19 fetuses (89%) with atrioventricular valves abnormalities. The reference range of the area and circumference of atrioventricular valves in normal fetuses at different gestational weeks could be determined by using the RT 4D volume imaging with electronic matrix probe, which can provide certain diagnostic information for the clinic. The RT 4D images could display the valves morphology vividly in both normal and abnormal fetuses, including some subtle lesions which are not identified by traditional two-dimensional (2D) echocardiography. It is feasible to use the RT 4D volume imaging with electronic matrix probe to perform the prenatal evaluation in the fetal atrioventricular valves.

中文翻译：

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电子矩阵探头实时 4D 容积成像对胎儿房室瓣的产前评估

本研究的目的是评估使用电子矩阵探头实时四维（RT 4D）体积成像观察正常和异常胎儿房室瓣形态，测量正常胎儿房室瓣面积和周长的可行性。胎儿并分析与胎龄的相关性。RT 4D体积成像与电子矩阵探头被用来收集162个胎龄为22-32周的正常胎儿的心脏体积数据，并纳入19个房室瓣异常胎儿的心脏体积数据。所有体积数据都被实时分析和处理。在表面模式下观察二尖瓣和三尖瓣的形态。在舒张末期在 4D 渲染视图中测量瓣膜的面积和周长，并分析与胎龄的相关性。162 个胎儿中有 148 个 (91%) 成功获得了 4D 渲染图像，清楚地显示了房室瓣的形态。二尖瓣和三尖瓣的面积和周长与胎龄呈正相关（P < 0.01）。此外，在 19 名房室瓣异常的胎儿中有 17 名 (89%) 成功获得了 4D 渲染图像。使用电子矩阵探头RT 4D容积成像可以确定正常胎儿不同孕周房室瓣面积和周长的参考范围，可为临床提供一定的诊断信息。RT 4D 图像可以生动地显示正常和异常胎儿的瓣膜形态，包括一些传统二维 (2D) 超声心动图无法识别的细微病变。使用带有电子矩阵探头的 RT 4D 体积成像对胎儿房室瓣进行产前评估是可行的。