Follow-up value of ultrasound in fetal tricuspid regurgitation

Abstract

Objective To explore the follow-up value of ultrasound in fetal tricuspid regurgitation. Methods 44 fetuses who presented with moderate tricuspid regurgitation with differential pressure over 20 mmHg, dilation of right atria and ventricles were chosen as the observation group.Examinations,in terms of the degree,velocity and differential pressure of reflux,size of heart chamber and the presence perieardial or pleural effusion were carried out once every four weeks from 24 weeks of pregnancy to 9 weeks after birth. Results 40.9% （18/44） of eases had been getting better before birth.The degree of regurgitation of 56.8% （25/44） eases significantly decreased or even disappeared from 1 to 62 days after birth.Especially,3 eases whose regurgitation velocity reached to 4.2 m/s with the differential pressure over 70 mmHg as well as onset of heart failure symptoms had been recovered gradually after born in advance.1 ease （2.3%） with the persistence of both tricuspid regurgitation and heart failure symptoms after birth died in right heart failure, even though using different active treatments, such as oxygen, strong heart and diuresis. Conclusions High-speed tricuspid regurgitation in fetuses without pathological changes can be almost reversed, and the prognosis is good.Once the fetal tricuspid regurgitation pressure is over 70 mmHg or a fetus appears the onset of heart failure symptoms,pre-term delivery should be advised in a bid to prevent accidents in uterine cavity. Key words: Ultrasonography, prenatal; Fetus ; Tricuspid valve insufficiency; Follow-up studies