1.Differentiation and Treatment of Follicular Lymphoma Based on the Clear-Turbid Theory
Xiaohan CHEN ; An CHANG ; Yingjie TIAN ; Zhijiang GUO ; Ziwei GUO ; Guoxing YUAN ; Bowen PENG ; Jie WU
Journal of Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;41(6):742-748
Follicular lymphoma(FL)is a type of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma,and its treatment options face many challenges.This paper discusses the pathogenesis and treatment of FL based on the clear-turbid theory in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)."The clear and the turbid being related,and the rise and fall of qi being disorderly"is the basic pathogenesis of FL.As the disease progres-ses,"evil qi being blocked inside,and turbid evil harming the clear"aggravates,and finally"evil qi is strong and the disease progres-ses,and evil poison is generated inside".Based on this theory,the method of raising the clear and lowering the turbid and the method of dispersing the clear and removing the turbid are proposed to treat FL.The emphasis of raising the clear and lowering the turbid is to take raising and lowering as the key,movement and stillness as the pivot,and to treat the middle jiao;the emphasis of dispersing the clear and removing the turbid is to clear the triple jiao,warm the yang and invigorate the qi,and harmonize the spleen and kidney.Ca-ses are attached to illustrate,providing new ideas for the TCM treatment of FL.
2.Clinical efficacy of TIPS combined with main splenic artery embolization in the treatment of portal hypertension upper gastrointestinal bleeding complicated with extensive portal vein thrombosis
Mingming MENG ; Zhibin WANG ; Yifan LYU ; Bing ZHU ; Bowen LIU ; Hua TIAN ; Dongze LI ; Fuchuan WANG ; Ke ZHANG ; Li JIANG ; Huiguo DING ; Yuening ZHANG ; Ying HAN ; Fuquan LIU
Chinese Journal of Hepatobiliary Surgery 2025;31(7):487-491
Objective:To analyze the efficacy of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) combined with main splenic artery embolization in the treatment of patients with portal hypertension upper gastrointestinal bleeding complicated with extensive portal vein thrombosis (PVT).Methods:This study was a prospective, single-center, open-label, single-arm clinical trial. In the first phase, 81 patients with portal hypertension upper gastrointestinal bleeding who were admitted to Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University from January 2018 to December 2018 were consecutively enrolled, including 57 males and 24 females, with the age of (51.3±10.4) years. During TIPS surgery, the pressure of the portal vein before and after the balloon blocking the splenic artery was measured to clarify the contribution of the splenic artery to portal hypertension. In the second stage, from January 2019 to December 2022, 104 patients with portal hypertension upper gastrointestinal bleeding complicated with extensive PVT were re-enrolled, including 71 males and 33 females, with the age of (50.9±12.5) years. TIPS combined with main splenic artery embolization was performed, and portal vein pressure was measured before and after embolization. Follow up on the postoperative esophageal and gastric varices of the patients in the second stage.Results:The portal vein pressures before and after the first stage of balloon occlusion of the splenic artery were (35.2±8.4) mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa) and (24.2±6.3) mmHg, respectively. The pressure after occlusion was lower than that before occlusion, and the difference was statistically significant ( t=10.54, P<0.001). The portal vein pressures before and after the second stage embolization were (36.1±9.5) mmHg and (21.1±4.7) mmHg respectively. The pressure after embolization was lower than that before embolization, and the difference was statistically significant ( t=13.47, P<0.001). In the second stage, among the 104 patients, the proportion of those whose varicose veins disappeared or improved 6 months after the operation was 43.3%(45/104) and 51.0%(53/104), respectively. There were no patients with aggravation or rebleeding due to rupture. One year later, 8 patients (7.7%) had aggravated or ruptured esophageal and gastric varices with bleeding. Two years later, 12 patients (11.5%) had aggravated or bleeding. Conclusion:TIPS combined with main splenic artery embolization can effectively reduce the portal vein pressure in patients with portal hypertension upper gastrointestinal bleeding complicated with extensive PVT, improve the degree of esophageal and gastric varices, and reduce the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.
3.Comparative study of cardiac morphology, size and function between fetuses with tetralogy of Fallot and fetuses with malalignment ventricular septal defect and pulmonary stenosis by multi-parameter quantitative echocardiography
Shuli YANG ; Bowen ZHAO ; Mei PAN ; Xiaohui PENG ; Ran CHEN ; Yuanshi TIAN ; Min DI ; Heqing GUO
Chinese Journal of Ultrasonography 2025;34(2):139-148
Objective:To analyze the differences in heart size,shape and function between fetuses with tetralogy of Fallot(TOF)and fetuses with malalignment ventricular septal defect(VSD)and pulmonary stenosis(PS)(named as,mild TOF)by fetal heart quantification(fetal HQ)and multi-parameter fetal echocardiography.Methods:From June 2021 to June 2023,50 fetuses with TOF(TOF group)diagnosed by fetal echocardiography at the Department of Diagnostic Ultrasound & Echocardiography Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital,Zhejiang University College of Medicine and 34 fetuses with VSD and PS matched to gestational age(mild TOF group)were retrospectively selected. Cardiovascular parameters were measured by 2D echocardiography,M-mode echocardiography and fetal HQ,including aortic dimension(AO)and its Z-score(AO Z-score),pulmonary artery diameter(PA)and its Z-score(PA Z-score),PA/AO ratio,main pulmonary artery diameter(MPA)and its Z-score(MPA Z-score),left pulmonary artery diameter(LPA)and its Z-score(LPA Z-score),right pulmonary artery diameter(RPA)and its Z-score(RPA Z-score),McGoon index(MGI),tricuspid annular diameter(TV)and its Z-score(TV Z-score),mitral annular diameter(MV)and its Z-score(MV Z-score),and MV/TV ratio. Measurements of global ventricular morphologic parameters included cardiac axis,left and right ventricular transverse diameters(LVW,RVW)and their ratio(LVW/RVW),left and right ventricular long diameters(LVL,RVL)and LVL/RVL ratio,left and right ventricular areas(LVA,RVA)and LVA/RVA ratio,global spherical index(GSI)and its Z-score,four chamber view transverse diameter(4CV-Width-ED),four chamber view end-diastolic longitudinal diameter(4CV-Length-ED),four chamber view end-diastolic area(4CV-Area-ED). Measurements of left and right global ventricular functional parameters included fractional left ventricular and right ventricular area changes(LVFAC,RVFAC),left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF),left ventricular and right ventricular global longitudinal strains(LVGLS,RVGLS);end diastolic width diameter(Width-ED),SI and fractional shortening rate(FS)of 24 segments of left and right ventricles. The differences of the above parameters between the two groups were analyzed and compared,and the relationships between absolute values of GLS in left and right ventricles of TOF fetus and PA Z-score,MPA Z-score and PA/AO were analyzed. Binary Logistic regression model was used to select the best variables,and ROC curve was adopted to analyze the predictive values of ultrasonic parameter variables on TOF.Results:There were statistically significant differences in MV,TV,RVW,RVL,LVL,LVA,RVA,4CV-Length-ED,LVGLS,RVGLS,RVFAC,PA/AO,MPA,RPA,LPA,MGI,PA and PA Z-score between TOF group and mild TOF group(all P<0.05). The Width-ED values of all segments of left ventricle were statistically different between TOF group and mild TOF group(all P<0.05). There were statistical differences in SI between LV segments 4~6 and 8~24,and RV segments 1~21(all P<0.05). The FS values between the 8th and 10th to 18th segments of RV revealed statistical differences(all P<0.05). There were no statistical differences in the other parameters(all P>0.05). The absolute value of LVGLS in TOF fetuses was positively correlated with PA Z-score,MPA Z-score and PA/AO( r = 0.313,0.344,0.304,all P<0.05),and the absolute value of RVGLS was positively correlated with PA Z-score,MPA Z-score,and PA/AO( r = 0.323,0.334,0.357,all P<0.05). Binary Logistic regression model analysis confirmed that LVGLS,RVFAC and PA/AO were predictive variables. ROC curve analysis showed that the areas under the curves of LVGLS,RVFAC and PA/AO for predicting TOF were 0.746,0.693 and 0.849 respectively. The combined prediction efficiency was higher,and the area under the curve was 0.906. Conclusions:Fetal HQ combined with multiple fetal echocardiographic quantification indices can evaluate the differences in fetal heart size,shape and function between TOF and mild TOF. It is expected to provide important reference information in prenatal diagnosis and consultation for fetuses with TOF and mild TOF.
4.Differentiation and Treatment of Follicular Lymphoma Based on the Clear-Turbid Theory
Xiaohan CHEN ; An CHANG ; Yingjie TIAN ; Zhijiang GUO ; Ziwei GUO ; Guoxing YUAN ; Bowen PENG ; Jie WU
Journal of Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;41(6):742-748
Follicular lymphoma(FL)is a type of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma,and its treatment options face many challenges.This paper discusses the pathogenesis and treatment of FL based on the clear-turbid theory in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)."The clear and the turbid being related,and the rise and fall of qi being disorderly"is the basic pathogenesis of FL.As the disease progres-ses,"evil qi being blocked inside,and turbid evil harming the clear"aggravates,and finally"evil qi is strong and the disease progres-ses,and evil poison is generated inside".Based on this theory,the method of raising the clear and lowering the turbid and the method of dispersing the clear and removing the turbid are proposed to treat FL.The emphasis of raising the clear and lowering the turbid is to take raising and lowering as the key,movement and stillness as the pivot,and to treat the middle jiao;the emphasis of dispersing the clear and removing the turbid is to clear the triple jiao,warm the yang and invigorate the qi,and harmonize the spleen and kidney.Ca-ses are attached to illustrate,providing new ideas for the TCM treatment of FL.
5.Clinical efficacy of TIPS combined with main splenic artery embolization in the treatment of portal hypertension upper gastrointestinal bleeding complicated with extensive portal vein thrombosis
Mingming MENG ; Zhibin WANG ; Yifan LYU ; Bing ZHU ; Bowen LIU ; Hua TIAN ; Dongze LI ; Fuchuan WANG ; Ke ZHANG ; Li JIANG ; Huiguo DING ; Yuening ZHANG ; Ying HAN ; Fuquan LIU
Chinese Journal of Hepatobiliary Surgery 2025;31(7):487-491
Objective:To analyze the efficacy of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) combined with main splenic artery embolization in the treatment of patients with portal hypertension upper gastrointestinal bleeding complicated with extensive portal vein thrombosis (PVT).Methods:This study was a prospective, single-center, open-label, single-arm clinical trial. In the first phase, 81 patients with portal hypertension upper gastrointestinal bleeding who were admitted to Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University from January 2018 to December 2018 were consecutively enrolled, including 57 males and 24 females, with the age of (51.3±10.4) years. During TIPS surgery, the pressure of the portal vein before and after the balloon blocking the splenic artery was measured to clarify the contribution of the splenic artery to portal hypertension. In the second stage, from January 2019 to December 2022, 104 patients with portal hypertension upper gastrointestinal bleeding complicated with extensive PVT were re-enrolled, including 71 males and 33 females, with the age of (50.9±12.5) years. TIPS combined with main splenic artery embolization was performed, and portal vein pressure was measured before and after embolization. Follow up on the postoperative esophageal and gastric varices of the patients in the second stage.Results:The portal vein pressures before and after the first stage of balloon occlusion of the splenic artery were (35.2±8.4) mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa) and (24.2±6.3) mmHg, respectively. The pressure after occlusion was lower than that before occlusion, and the difference was statistically significant ( t=10.54, P<0.001). The portal vein pressures before and after the second stage embolization were (36.1±9.5) mmHg and (21.1±4.7) mmHg respectively. The pressure after embolization was lower than that before embolization, and the difference was statistically significant ( t=13.47, P<0.001). In the second stage, among the 104 patients, the proportion of those whose varicose veins disappeared or improved 6 months after the operation was 43.3%(45/104) and 51.0%(53/104), respectively. There were no patients with aggravation or rebleeding due to rupture. One year later, 8 patients (7.7%) had aggravated or ruptured esophageal and gastric varices with bleeding. Two years later, 12 patients (11.5%) had aggravated or bleeding. Conclusion:TIPS combined with main splenic artery embolization can effectively reduce the portal vein pressure in patients with portal hypertension upper gastrointestinal bleeding complicated with extensive PVT, improve the degree of esophageal and gastric varices, and reduce the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.
6.Comparative study of cardiac morphology, size and function between fetuses with tetralogy of Fallot and fetuses with malalignment ventricular septal defect and pulmonary stenosis by multi-parameter quantitative echocardiography
Shuli YANG ; Bowen ZHAO ; Mei PAN ; Xiaohui PENG ; Ran CHEN ; Yuanshi TIAN ; Min DI ; Heqing GUO
Chinese Journal of Ultrasonography 2025;34(2):139-148
Objective:To analyze the differences in heart size,shape and function between fetuses with tetralogy of Fallot(TOF)and fetuses with malalignment ventricular septal defect(VSD)and pulmonary stenosis(PS)(named as,mild TOF)by fetal heart quantification(fetal HQ)and multi-parameter fetal echocardiography.Methods:From June 2021 to June 2023,50 fetuses with TOF(TOF group)diagnosed by fetal echocardiography at the Department of Diagnostic Ultrasound & Echocardiography Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital,Zhejiang University College of Medicine and 34 fetuses with VSD and PS matched to gestational age(mild TOF group)were retrospectively selected. Cardiovascular parameters were measured by 2D echocardiography,M-mode echocardiography and fetal HQ,including aortic dimension(AO)and its Z-score(AO Z-score),pulmonary artery diameter(PA)and its Z-score(PA Z-score),PA/AO ratio,main pulmonary artery diameter(MPA)and its Z-score(MPA Z-score),left pulmonary artery diameter(LPA)and its Z-score(LPA Z-score),right pulmonary artery diameter(RPA)and its Z-score(RPA Z-score),McGoon index(MGI),tricuspid annular diameter(TV)and its Z-score(TV Z-score),mitral annular diameter(MV)and its Z-score(MV Z-score),and MV/TV ratio. Measurements of global ventricular morphologic parameters included cardiac axis,left and right ventricular transverse diameters(LVW,RVW)and their ratio(LVW/RVW),left and right ventricular long diameters(LVL,RVL)and LVL/RVL ratio,left and right ventricular areas(LVA,RVA)and LVA/RVA ratio,global spherical index(GSI)and its Z-score,four chamber view transverse diameter(4CV-Width-ED),four chamber view end-diastolic longitudinal diameter(4CV-Length-ED),four chamber view end-diastolic area(4CV-Area-ED). Measurements of left and right global ventricular functional parameters included fractional left ventricular and right ventricular area changes(LVFAC,RVFAC),left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF),left ventricular and right ventricular global longitudinal strains(LVGLS,RVGLS);end diastolic width diameter(Width-ED),SI and fractional shortening rate(FS)of 24 segments of left and right ventricles. The differences of the above parameters between the two groups were analyzed and compared,and the relationships between absolute values of GLS in left and right ventricles of TOF fetus and PA Z-score,MPA Z-score and PA/AO were analyzed. Binary Logistic regression model was used to select the best variables,and ROC curve was adopted to analyze the predictive values of ultrasonic parameter variables on TOF.Results:There were statistically significant differences in MV,TV,RVW,RVL,LVL,LVA,RVA,4CV-Length-ED,LVGLS,RVGLS,RVFAC,PA/AO,MPA,RPA,LPA,MGI,PA and PA Z-score between TOF group and mild TOF group(all P<0.05). The Width-ED values of all segments of left ventricle were statistically different between TOF group and mild TOF group(all P<0.05). There were statistical differences in SI between LV segments 4~6 and 8~24,and RV segments 1~21(all P<0.05). The FS values between the 8th and 10th to 18th segments of RV revealed statistical differences(all P<0.05). There were no statistical differences in the other parameters(all P>0.05). The absolute value of LVGLS in TOF fetuses was positively correlated with PA Z-score,MPA Z-score and PA/AO( r = 0.313,0.344,0.304,all P<0.05),and the absolute value of RVGLS was positively correlated with PA Z-score,MPA Z-score,and PA/AO( r = 0.323,0.334,0.357,all P<0.05). Binary Logistic regression model analysis confirmed that LVGLS,RVFAC and PA/AO were predictive variables. ROC curve analysis showed that the areas under the curves of LVGLS,RVFAC and PA/AO for predicting TOF were 0.746,0.693 and 0.849 respectively. The combined prediction efficiency was higher,and the area under the curve was 0.906. Conclusions:Fetal HQ combined with multiple fetal echocardiographic quantification indices can evaluate the differences in fetal heart size,shape and function between TOF and mild TOF. It is expected to provide important reference information in prenatal diagnosis and consultation for fetuses with TOF and mild TOF.
7.The analysis of gene screening results for common hereditary hearing loss in 2 102 pregnant women in Dali area.
Bowen WANG ; Fanyuan MA ; Chunjie TIAN
Journal of Clinical Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery 2024;38(11):1061-1065
Objective:By conducting genetic testing of hereditary hearing loss in pregnant women within 17 weeks of gestation in Dali areas, the importance of genetic testing and genetic counseling during pregnancy was emphasized. Methods:Twenty-one mutation sites of 4 hearing loss genes, including GJB2, GJB3, SLC26A4 and mtDNA, were detected by PCR amplification technology. The positive ratio, mutation ratio and ethnic distribution of positive samples were statistically described. Results:The positive ratios of GJB2 and SLC26A4 genes were 1.24% and 1.43%, respectively, with mutation rates of 40.62% and 46.88% in the positive samples, respectively. The positive ratio of GJB3gene was 0.19%, and mtDNA mutation genes accounted for 0.14%, and all of them were mtDNA(Heterozygous). There was only one case of GJB2/SLC26A4 double positive multi-gene mutation, with a positive ratio of 0.05%. The frequency of GJB2 c. 235delC site was the highest, accounting for 65.38% of GJB2 mutation genes and 26.56% of mutation gene samples. Conclusion:GJB2 and SLC26A4 are the most common genes of hearing loss, and GJB2 c. 235delC site is the most common mutation site. Identifying the hearing loss mutation site is of great importance to prevent the birth of hereditary hearing loss children, and genetic diagnosis, genetic counseling, and appropriate intervention are crucial to alleviate congenital problems.
Humans
;
Female
;
Pregnancy
;
Sulfate Transporters/genetics*
;
Connexin 26
;
Genetic Testing/methods*
;
Connexins/genetics*
;
Mutation
;
Hearing Loss/diagnosis*
;
DNA, Mitochondrial/genetics*
;
Adult
;
Membrane Transport Proteins/genetics*
;
Genetic Counseling
8.Application of knowledge distillation technology for fine segmentation of three-vessel and trachea views in fetal echocardiographic images
Min DI ; Qiwen CAI ; Mingming MA ; Yuanshi TIAN ; Yang CHEN ; Bowen ZHAO ; Ran CHEN
Chinese Journal of Ultrasonography 2024;33(1):21-26
Objective:To explore the application value of fetal heart ultrasound image segmentation network model based on knowledge distillation technology in the fine segmentation of fetal heart ultrasound image at three-vessel and trachea (3VT) views.Methods:One thousand and three hundred fetals were retrospectively collected from Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University College of Medicine from January 2016 to December 2021, the two-dimensional grayscale ultrasound images of fetal heart at 3VT views were analyzed and then divided into training, validation, and test sets. The training and validation sets were used to construct the auxiliary diagnostic network models, and the test set was used to test the reliability of different network models (U-Net, DeepLabv3+ ). The 3VT views were collected and annotated by an experienced doctor as the reference standard. The intersection over union (IoU), pixel accuracy (PA) and Dice coefficient (Dice) were used as the 3 indexes to evaluate the segmentation accuracy, and the diagnostic efficiency of the training model was evaluated. The training model and the most commonly used segmentation models were identified, and the results were compared. A total of 101 images were randomly selected and assigned to junior doctors, AI and junior doctors assisted AI interpretation. Bland-Altman images were drawn to evaluate their consistency with the reference standard, and the results were compared.Results:The training model of knowledge distillation algorithm achieved better results than U-Net, DeepLabv3+ models on all evaluation indexes, and the average IoU, PA and Dice were 68.6%, 81.4% and 81.3%, respectively. Compared with the U-Net model and DeepLabv3+ model, more accurate segmentation boundaries were obtained by the knowledge distillation algorithm training model, and the quantitative evaluation indexes were improved. With the aid of the model, the diagnostic accuracy of junior doctors was improved.Conclusions:The knowledge distillation algorithm training model segmentation method can identify the anatomical structure of the fetal heart in the 3VT view of the fetal heart ultrasound image, and the recognition result is obviously better than other related methods, and can improve the accuracy of image recognition for doctors with low experience.
9.Preliminary study on fetal heart morphology and function in pulmonary stenosis and pulmonary atresia using fetal heart quantification
Xiaomin ZHANG ; Bowen ZHAO ; Mei PAN ; Xiaohui PENG ; Ran CHEN ; Yankai MAO ; Mingming MA ; Yuanshi TIAN ; Mingxuan ZHANG ; Yan DENG
Chinese Journal of Ultrasonography 2024;33(6):489-496
Objective:To evaluate the morphological characteristics of the fetal heart and the contractile function of the left and right ventricles in fetuses with pulmonary stenosis (PS) and pulmonary atresia (PA) using fetal heart quantitative analysis technology (fetal HQ), and to assess the impact of different degrees of right ventricular outflow tract obstruction (RVOTO) on the contractile function of the fetal left and right ventricles. To accumulate early data and explore parameters for constructing a predictive model and clinical decision-making tool for the progression of fetal PS and PA.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 42 cases of mild to moderate PS and 23 cases of severe PS or PA detected through fetal echocardiography in the Department of Ultrasound, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, from July 2020 to December 2021. A control group of 195 normal fetal cases matching gestational weeks was selected. The fetal HQ technique was employed to measure the global sphericity index (GSI), left ventricular ejection fraction (EF), left/right ventricular area change percentage (LVFAC, RVFAC), and left/right ventricular longitudinal strain (LVGLS, RVGLS). Additionally, 24-segment sphericity index (SI) and fractional shortening (FS) for both left and right ventricles were measured. Comparative analyses were performed between the case and control groups, as well as within the case group.Results:In comparison with the control group, the case group exhibited significantly decreased GSI, LVGLS, LVEF, LVFAC, RVGLS, and RVFAC.The differences were statistically significant in the mild to moderate PS group (all P<0.05) and highly significant in the severe PS/PA group (all P<0.01). In the mild to moderate PS group, the left ventricle′s 2nd segment, right ventricle′s 24th segment SI, and the left ventricle′s 1st-13th segments, right ventricle′s 1st-16th and 20th-24th segments FS showed statistically significant differences compared to the control group (all P<0.05). In the severe PS/PA group, the right ventricle′s 1st-22nd segment SI, and the left ventricle′s 6th-13th, 21st-24th segments, and the right ventricle′s 1st-14th segments FS were reduced, showing statistically significant differences compared to the control group (all P<0.05). The severe PS/PA group showed lower RVGLS, RVFAC, and SI for the right ventricle′s 1st to 17th segments when compared to the mild to moderate PS group, with statistically significant differences (all P<0.05). Conclusions:Quantitative indices derived by fetal HQ is capable of evaluating the cardiac morphology and function of fetuses with PS/PA, which may provide for reference information for comprehensive understanding of cardiac morphological and functional changes in such fetuses.
10.Quantitative evaluation of left and right atrial function and its difference in normal fetus during middle and late pregnancy using two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography
Limei ZHOU ; Bowen ZHAO ; Mei PAN ; Xiaohui PENG ; Ran CHEN ; Mingming MA ; Yuanshi TIAN ; Yan DENG
Chinese Journal of Ultrasonography 2024;33(8):659-666
Objective:To explore the potential application of two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2D-STE) in terms of quantification and evaluating left and right atrial function in normal fetuses, and to investigate the relevant factors affecting left and right atrial function in normal fetuses as well as differences between both atrial function.Methods:A total of 100 single fetuses underwent fetal echocardiography in the Department of Diagnostic Ultrasound & Echocardiography, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University College of Medicine from January 2019 to October 2022 were retrospectively enrolled. The standard basal or apical four-chamber view clips were obtained, and the left and right atrial function were quantitatively analyzed using TomTec-ARENA off-line cardiac analysis software for quantitative assessment of both atrial strain measurements including left atrial reservoir phase longitudinal strain (LASr), left atrial ductal phase longitudinal strain (LAScd), left atrial systolic phase longitudinal strain (LASct), right atrial reservoir phase longitudinal strain (RASr), right atrial ductal phase longitudinal strain (RAScd), right atrial systolic phase longitudinal strain (RASct), and the ratio of systolic longitudinal strain to conduit longitudinal strain in left and right atrial systolic display groups were calculated which was denoted as Sct/Scd.Routine fetal obstetric ultrasound measurements and fetal echocardiographic parameters in the two groups were obtained including fetal heart rate (FHR), left atrial end-systolic length (LAESL), left atrial end-systolic diameter (LAESD), left atrial end-systolic area (LAESA), left ventricular end-diastolic transverse diameter (LVEDD), right atrial end-systolic length (RAESL), right atrial end-systolic diameter (RAESD), right atrial end-systolic area (RAESA), right ventricular end-diastolic transverse diameter (RVEDD), peak blood flow velocity of mitral valve and tricuspid valve in early and late diastolic period (E, A), peak ratio of E and A: E/A (MV), E/A (TV), and the difference between the left and right atrial strain indices and the routine fetal obstetric ultrasound and fetal echocardiographic parameters, as well as the correlation between the above parameters and gestational age were analyzed. The repeatability tests were performed using the intra-class correlation coefficientt (ICC).Results:Significant differences were found in LASr and RASr, LAScd and RAScd, LASct and LAScd, Sct/Scd between the left atrium and right atrium, E/A (MV) and E/A (TV), LAESD and RAESD, LAESL and RAESL (all P<0.05), there was significant difference in FHR between the left atrial contraction display group and the no atrial contraction display group ( P=0.011), no significant difference in other parameters (all P>0.05). Correlation analysis showed that, LASr, LASct, RASr, and RASct showed moderate negative correlation with gestational age ( rs=-0.570, -0.601, -0.469, -0.568; all P<0.001). While LAScd, RAScd, E/A (MV), E/A (TV) were moderately positively related with gestational age ( rs=0.310, 0.350, 0.330, 0.343; all P<0.05). LAESL, LAESD, LAESA, RAESL, RAESD, RAESA, LVEDD and RVEDD were significantly positively related with gestational age ( rs=0.662, 0.768, 0.792, 0.728, 0.828, 0.822, 0.838, 0.802, all P<0.001). The inter-examiner ICC of fetal LASr and RASr were 0.89 and 0.84 (both P<0.05) and the intra-examiner ICC of fetal RASr and LASr both were 0.80 (both P<0.05), with good consistency. Conclusions:2D-STE is highly feasible and reproducible in assessing fetal atrial function. The corresponding variation values of fetal atria at different gestational weeks were obtained in this study, which provides a new reference index for us to further study normal fetal atria as well as comparative analysis of fetal cardiac function under prenatal pathological conditions.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail