Echocardiographic studies of the human fetus: prenatal diagnosis of congenital heart disease and cardiac dysrhythmias
Kleinman, C.S.; Hobbins, J.C.; Jaffe, C.C.; Lynch, D.C.; Talner, N.S.
Pediatrics 65(6): 1059-1067
1980
ISSN/ISBN: 0031-4005 PMID: 7375228 Document Number: 167730
During obstetrical ultrasound examinations, 200 M-mode and 35 real-time two-dimensional echocardiographic studies were performed on 180 fetuses of high-risk pregnancies. Fetal gestational ages ranged from 18 to 41 weeks. M-mode "sweeps" demonstrating mitral- and septal-aortic fibrous continuity were obtained in 115 studies. Paradoxic septal motion in 50 fetuses suggested relarive right ventricular volume loading. Congenital cardiac malformations were accurately diagnosed in a 34-week fetus with pulmonary atresia and hypoplastic right ventricle and in a 28-week fetus with a univentricular heart. Congenital complete atrioventricular block was diagnosed in a 28-week fetus and atrial flutter with variable atrioventricular block was diagnosed in a 38-week fetus. The use of echocardiographic studies to evaluate cardiac structure and rhythm in utero assists in counseling prospective parents and in planning postnatal management for their offspring.