VP17.19: The use of three vessels and trachea view in second trimester ultrasound for the diagnosis of cardiac malformations

Abstract

To determine the use of three vessels and trachea (3VT) view in fetal second trimester cardiac scanning for the diagnosis of cardiac malformations. We analysed all the second trimester ultrasounds in a terciary referring centre during 5 years (N: 10092). We performed a retrospective study of 66 women diagnosed of fetal cardiac malformations in this ultrasound scan (0.71%). The 3VT view is an ultrasound transverse plane in the upper mediastinum. The abnormalities detected were confirmed postnatally by a pediatric cardiologist, echocardiography or autopsy. 52 of the 66 fetuses (78.79%) showed an abnormal 3VT view. We classified the lesions according to the most evident abnormal ultrasound finding. Abnormal vessel size was found in 40.38%. Abnormal colour Doppler pattern with turbulent flow or reverse flow was found in five fetuses with outflow tract stenosis. Abnormal vessel alignment and arrangement was found in 3 fetuses. Abnormal vessel number was found in 7 fetus (3 fetus with two vessels instead of three and 4 fetus with four vessels instead of three). Abnormal location of vessels in relation to the trachea was found in 39.39%. This ultrasound view is very reliable in the diagnosis of an important group of critical heart defects involving the outflow tracts and the aortic arch. The three vessels and trachea view, with the contribution of colour Doppler, is a good and easy method for screening heart defects. VP17.19: Table 1.