Prenatal Diagnosis, Management, and Treatment of Fetal Cardiac Disease.

Abstract

Prenatal diagnosis of congenital heart disease makes it possible to optimize and coordinate care of the fetus and pregnant person. Benefits encompass the full spectrum of pre- and perinatal care, from counseling to optimization of pregnancy care and fetal intervention. Prenatal diagnosis reduces the likelihood of postnatal hemodynamic compromise and improves long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes. Despite the benefits, prenatal diagnosis rates remain suboptimal, particularly for lesions that are not seen on standard 4-chamber imaging views. Improving prenatal diagnosis rates requires education and outreach efforts targeting community practices where most initial screening occurs.