Diagnostic value of echocardiography for fetal ductus arteriosus constriction/closure

Abstract

Objective To assess the diagnostic value of echocardiography for fetal ductus arteriosus constriction/closure. Methods The data of echocardiography and clinical outcome of 9 fetuses (2 with ductus arteriosus closure and 7 with ductus arteriosus constriction) identified from 864 cases at the First Central Hospital of Baoding between January 2016 and February 2018 were reviewed retrospectively. Results Fetal ductus arteriosus constriction/closure mainly manifested as dilation of the right heart, enlargement of the diameter of the main pulmonary artery, increase or disappearance of the systolic and diastolic blood flow of the ductus, and increased three tricuspid regurgitation. Among the 9 cases of fetal ductus arteriosus constriction/closure, 1 died of respiratory failure 5 hours after birth, and the remaining 8 had successful live birth and underwent echocardiography one week after birth. Among the 8 cases, 3 were normal while the other 5 were significantly improved. Conclusions Prenatal echocardiography can effectively diagnose fetal ductus arteriosus constriction/closure. When the fetus is dysfunctional in the right ventricular system and basically mature in other physiological systems, pre-term delivery is of great clinical value in improving the quality of delivery and prognosis. Key words: Echocardiography; Fetal; Ductus arteriosus constriction