Left Atrial Function during Pregnancy: A Three‐Dimensional Echocardiographic Study

Abstract

Enlargement of the LA volume with unchanged blood pressure values, as found using RT3DE, may be part of the adaptation to increased blood volume during pregnancy.

Cardiovascular magnetic resonance in pregnancy: Insights from the cardiac hemodynamic imaging and remodeling in pregnancy (CHIRP) study

“…Similar to previous studies that demonstrated an increase in LA volumes by approximately 30% in the third trimester [10,14,43], our study confirmed LA volume increases of 39% and 50% by TTE and CMR, respectively. Although few studies have examined RA volumes during pregnancy, Campos et al demonstrated a 19% increase in RA dimensions in the third trimester by TTE [17].…”

Safety of nifedipine in threatened preterm labor: Investigation by three‐dimensional echocardiography

“…Twenty‐five patients were followed by consecutive RT3DTTEs performed by experienced investigators (CY, XP) who were blinded to the study results. RT3DTTE was performed with an X3 matrix array transducer (1–3 MHz) for the acquisition of “full‐volume” real time pyramidal volumetric datasets along four consecutive cardiac cycles as described elsewhere . Individuals were instructed to hold their breath, and images were coupled with electrocardiographic recordings.…”

“…A previous study using two‐dimensional echocardiography found that although nifedipine induced an afterload reduction that triggered a reflex rise in cardiac output, no significant effect on ventricular function, maternal blood pressure, or fetal hemodynamics was noticed . Our group has found that cardiac hemodynamics measured as volumetric and functional left atrial parameters can be better detected using real time three‐dimensional transthoracic echocardiography (RT3DTTE) rather than standard two‐dimensional transthoracic echocardiography (2DTTE) …”

Factors Influencing the Twisting and Untwisting Properties of the Left Ventricle during Normal Pregnancy

“…12 Peak untwisting rate has been described as a more sensitive, load-independent marker of diastolic function as it largely occurs during isovolumic relaxation time. [37][38][39][40] In our study, parameters describing diastolic function derived from Doppler and tissue Doppler imaging were significantly altered during pregnancy, and especially in the 3rd trimester. 23 However, human studies have not reproduced these findings, leading to the notion that LV untwisting rate is more a manifestation of torsional recoil.…”