Dynamics of the septum primum in fetuses with intrauterine growth restriction.

Purpose: To test the hypothesis that the linear displacement of the septum primum (SP) is lower in fetuses with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) than in fetuses with appropriate growth for gestational age (AGA).

Methods: In a cross-sectional study, the ratio between the SP displacement and left atrial diameter (excursion index [EI]) was compared in 27 fetuses with IUGR (group 1), 24 fetuses with AGA of hypertensive mothers (group 2), and 35 controls (group 3). Flow through the atrioventricular (AV) valves and the umbilical artery resistance index (RI) were also compared.