Sonographic differential diagnosis of fetal cardiac abnormalities

Abstract

Ultrasonographic evaluation of the fetal heart for structural and functional abnormalities is vital for prenatal diagnosis and perinatal management. Even more important than up-to-date diagnostic equipment is keen observation and an understanding of fetal cardiac abnormalities. One diagnostic approach begins with the four-chamber view with particular attention to the normal symmetric sizes of all four cardiac chambers. Ventricular disproportion, inequality in ventricular size, is often an easily detectable sign of a cardiovascular abnormality. Segmental diagnosis of cardiac and visceral situs, ventricular outflow tracts for conotruncal abnormalities and the aortic and ductal arches is also vital for diagnosing affected fetuses.