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

TITLE=Z-score model of foetal ascending aorta diameter distensibility

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine

VOLUME=Volume 9 - 2022

YEAR=2022

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/cardiovascular-medicine/articles/10.3389/fcvm.2022.858235

DOI=10.3389/fcvm.2022.858235

ISSN=2297-055X

ABSTRACT=Objective: The purpose of this study is to establish Z-scores models of normal foetal ascending aorta diameter and diameter distensibility.
Methods: The 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 foetuses at 18-40 gestational weeks, while 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.
Results: The Dmax, Dmin and diameter distensibility in normal foetuses between 18 and 40 weeks of GA could be evaluated utilising 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.
Conclusions: The Z-scores are valuable, and can be utilised as a potent supplement to the traditional approach as they can indirectly reflect the development of foetal ascending aortic elastic property.