Antenatal detection of congenital heart disease

Abstract

Summary Fetal cardiac defects are detectable by antenatal ultrasonic imaging. Fetal echocardiography is sensitive and specific, but has only a limited impact on the disease as a whole due to the poor sensitivity of routine obstetric screening. Further advances in the training of obstetric and radiology staff and ultrasonic image resolution should produce future improvements. There is a need for more rigorous assessment of the cost-effectiveness of fetal echocardiography. Developments in fetal cardiac intervention highlight the need for accurate diagnosis and knowledge of the natural history of congenital heart disease in the fetus.