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=9 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 fetal 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 fetuses at 18–40 gestational weeks, and 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 fetuses between 18 and 40 weeks of GA could be evaluated by utilizing the 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.

Conclusion

The Z-scores are valuable, and can be utilized as a potent supplement to the conventional approach as they can indirectly reflect the development of fetal ascending aortic elastic property.