Fetal Heart Ultrasound: How, Why and When (Second edition)

Abstract

As is the usual format of the How, Why and When books, each chapter starts with a summary of the contents (including page numbers). The three steps and ten key points help the reader to focus on identifying the minimum diagnostic criteria necessary to eliminate suspect pathologies. The accompanying website, allows access to ten video clips; while the authors admit that the image quality can be poor, these do show examples of common pathologies. The French and Italian authors collectively bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise in their fields. The new chapter on first trimester cardiac scanning is written by Claudio Lombardi, a leader in first trimester cardiac scanning. Some abbreviations differ but are easy to refer back to, until the reader is familiar with the European terminology. Throughout the chapters, there are pink, blue and yellow boxes which bring the reader's attention to statistics, important ideas and points. The graphics are excellent, including ultrasound and pathological images, and combined with the accompanying text boxes make it easy to identify normal compared with abnormal. The technical aspects explain the physics behind obtaining the images and how to optimise these to produce the best views to scrutinise the heart for anomalies. Pitfalls are identified and discussed, with tips on how to avoid them. Increasingly, we are being asked to identify pathologies at the nuchal translucency scan. The new chapter on ‘First trimester cardiac scan and study’, addresses the why, when and how of scanning at this gestation and what should be achievable during this scan. Again, pitfalls and tips are addressed, along with technical aspects to optimise imaging at this early stage. The tricuspid valve and ductus venosus Dopplers are well explained, with useful tips and guidelines to identify normal and abnormal appearances. Principle cardiac pathologies are described in detail so that critical cardiac pathologies are not overlooked. Chapter 7 deals with the fetal morphological examination after a cardiac anomaly has been identified. The final chapter reinforces practical points and tips already made, ensuring that the reader is now less apprehensive and more confident to perform a competent study of the fetal heart. I found the book to be an excellent resource that has certainly impacted on my confidence in assessing the fetal heart. It will be a welcome resource to our remote practice, where our ability to identify cardiac anomalies can have a major impact on the outcome of the gestation.