OP08.13: Frequency of and causes of ventricular disproportion in fetal echocardiograms

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate the performance of 3D software that allows retrieving standard diagnostic planes of the fetal heart from a 3D volume and estimate inter-observer reproducibility of fetal cardiac views in the second trimester of pregnancy. Methods: 73 fetal cardiac volumes were acquired in pregnant women between 20–32 weeks of gestation using Accuvix XQ (MEDISON, Korea). Seven diagnostic planes of the fetal heart, according to standardization of 3D fetal echocardiography: 4-CH view, LVOT, RVOT, 3 vessel view, aortic & ductal arches, venous connection (SVC & IVC) have been retrieved from 3D volumes of the fetal chest using software 3D XI PC Viewer that is composed of Multi-Slice View (MSV) and Oblique View (OBV) modes. The off-line fetal cardiac study was performed by 2 specialists not involved in the volume acquisition, with similar skills in 2D fetal cardiac scanning, but different degree of skills in 3D US examination. 4-CH view was set as an acquisition plane. 25–35 degree of volume sweep was appropriate to capture the stomach and upper mediastinum levels. Results: In our study identification rate and reproducibility of main cardiac landmarks, such as LVOT, RVOT and 3 vessels view were substantial. However, the visualization rate and reproducibility of diagnostic planes of the fetal heart not included into the ‘basic’ 2D cardiac ultrasound, such as ductal arch and venous connection, were lower in less experienced in 3D US hands (Observer 1).