T. Van Mieghem

Validation of the fetal myocardial performance index in the second and third trimesters of gestation

To test the validity of the myocardial performance index (MPI) and its components against the more conventional methods of fetal cardiac function assessment: the ejection fraction (EF) for systolic function and the E/A index (ratio of transmitral flow during early (E) ventricular filling to flow during atrial (A) contraction) for diastolic function, both in a normal population and in a population at risk for cardiac failure because of volume overload (recipient fetuses in cases of twin–twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS)).

Left ventricular cardiac function in fetuses with congenital diaphragmatic hernia and the effect of fetal endoscopic tracheal occlusion

The pre‐existing compression of the left ventricle in congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) could be aggravated by the amplified lung growth after fetoscopic endoluminal tracheal occlusion (FETO). Our aim was to document left ventricular (LV) size and function in fetuses with isolated left‐sided CDH and to document the effect of FETO on the fetal heart.

Instrumental requirements for minimal invasive fetal surgery

Minimal invasive intrauterine interventions have gained their place in fetal medicine. Interventions on the placenta, umbilical cord, fetal membranes or on the fetus require special endoscopes with their respective sheaths, cannulas and additional instruments. Instruments for fetal therapy are purpose designed for the procedure of interest and most gynaecologists are therefore not familiar with them. We review the currently available instrumentation used during operations for complicated monochorionic multiple pregnancies, congenital diaphragmatic hernia, amniotic band syndrome, urinary tract obstruction and hydrothorax.

Interobserver agreement in detailed prenatal diagnosis of congenital heart disease by telemedicine using four‐dimensional ultrasound with spatiotemporal image correlation

To evaluate the clinical accuracy of four‐dimensional (4D) echocardiography in the detailed prenatal diagnosis of congenital heart disease (CHD) in a telemedicine setting.

Predictors of neonatal morbidity in fetuses with severe isolated congenital diaphragmatic hernia undergoing fetoscopic tracheal occlusion

To investigate neonatal morbidity in fetuses with severe congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) treated with fetoscopic endoluminal tracheal occlusion (FETO) and compare it with historical controls with less severe forms of CDH that were managed expectantly.

Maternal hyperoxygenation test in fetuses undergoing FETO for severe isolated congenital diaphragmatic hernia

To predict neonatal survival and pulmonary hypertension by measurement of fetal pulmonary artery reactivity to maternal hyperoxygenation in fetuses with severe congenital diaphragmatic hernia treated by fetoscopic endoluminal tracheal occlusion (FETO).

Relationship between lung area at ultrasound examination and lung volume assessment with magnetic resonance imaging in isolated congenital diaphragmatic hernia

To prospectively examine the relationship between contralateral lung area measured by two‐dimensional (2D) ultrasound examination and contralateral and total fetal lung volume (FLV) estimated by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the assessment of fetuses with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH).

Outcome prediction in monochorionic diamniotic twin pregnancies with moderately discordant amniotic fluid

The aim of this study was to identify predictors of twin‐to‐twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) and selective intrauterine growth restriction (sIUGR) in monochorionic diamniotic (MCDA) twin pregnancies with moderate amniotic fluid discordance (mAFD).

Incidence and clinical implications of early inadvertent septostomy after laser therapy for twin–twin transfusion syndrome

To evaluate the incidence and clinical outcome of inadvertent septostomy after fetoscopic laser therapy for twin–twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) and, particularly, to explore its association with the risk of developing pseudoamniotic band syndrome (PABS).

Reference ranges for middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity in monochorionic diamniotic twins: a longitudinal study

The role of middle cerebral artery (MCA) peak systolic velocity (PSV) has become established in the management of fetal anemia. To date, singleton reference ranges have also been used in twin pregnancies. However, in monochorionic twin pregnancies, normal ranges for cerebral blood flow may differ from those in singletons owing to intertwin blood exchange. We aimed to establish gestational age‐specific reference ranges for MCA‐PSV in monochorionic diamniotic (MCDA) twin pregnancies, to compare them with previously reported singleton reference ranges, and to establish terms for calculating conditional reference intervals appropriate for individual serial measurements.