Can Fetal Echocardiographic Measurements of the Left Ventricular Outflow Tract Angle Detect Fetuses with Conotruncal Cardiac Anomalies?

Objectives: The angle between the inter-ventricular septum and the ascending aorta can be measured during a sonographic fetal survey while viewing the left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT angle). Our aim was to compare the LVOT angle between fetuses with and without conotruncal cardiac anomaliesrmations.

Methods: In this prospective observational study, we compared the LVOT angle between normal fetuses, at different gestational age, and fetuses with cardiac malformations.

Prenatal diagnosis of major aortopulmonary collateral arteries (MAPCA) in fetuses with pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect and agenesis of ductus arteriosus.

Objective: The aim of this study was to describe the prenatal diagnosis of Major Aortopulmonary Collateral Arteries (MAPCAs), and to present a systematic ultrasound method for evaluating lung vascularity in fetuses with pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect (PAVSD) and agenesis of ductus arteriosus (DA).

Method: This retrospective study evaluated fetuses diagnosed with PAVSD with agenesis of DA, for the presence of the MAPCAs anomaly. Fetal pulmonary vasculature was investigated by 2D and 4D Spatio Temporal Image Correlation (STIC) technology using High Definition Color Doppler.

Isolated ventricular septal defects demonstrated by fetal echocardiography: prenatal course and postnatal outcome.

Objectives: We assessed the natural history of the different types of isolated ventricular septal defects (VSDs) diagnosed by fetal echocardiography and analyzed their postnatal outcomes.

Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study of 86 fetuses with isolated VSDs, detected in 7466 sequential echocardiographic examinations. The subtype and size of the VSDs were assessed during fetal life and the following birth.

Involvement of the CXCL12/CXCR4 pathway in the recovery of skin following burns.

Burn wound healing is a complex process consisting of an inflammatory phase, the formation of granulation tissue, and remodeling. The role of the CXCL12/CXCR4 pathway in the recovery of skin following burns is unknown. We found that CXCL12 is similarly expressed in human, swine, and rat skin by pericyte and endothelial cells, fibrous sheet, fibroblasts, and axons.