Prenatal ultrasound diagnosis of fetal aortic atresia

Abstract

Objective To investigate the clinical value of prenatal ultrasonography in diagnosing fetal aortic atresia.Methods Ultrasound images of 9 cases with fetal aortic atresia confirmed by autopsy were retrospectively analysed and summarized.Results Fetal echocardiography showed ascending aorta and aortic arch were thin in seven cases and unclear in two cases.Color Doppler flow imaging showed fetal aorta no blood connection with left ventricle and reverse blood flow in aortic arch among all 9 cases.There were 6 cases associated with hypoplastic left heart syndrome,two cases associated with ventricular septal defect and well-developed left ventricle,one case complicated with complete atrioventricular septal defect.Nine cases were detected at average gestational age (26.0 ± 2.6) weeks,minimum gestational age was only 16 weeks pregnant.Conclusions Prenatal ultrasound diagnosis of fetal aortic atresia has important clinical value.Ascending aorta and aortic arch are thin or unclear,no blood flow connection between fetal aorta and left ventricle and reverse blood flow in aortic arch are major diagnostic evidences.Color Doppler flow imaging is helpful for early diagnosis. Key words: Ultrasonography,prenatal; Heart defects,congenital; Aortic atresia