Fetal Cardiac Anomalies Research Articles

Antenatal Screening for Congenital Heart Disease: A Single Center 11-Year Study of the Incidence, Antenatal Detection Rate, and Outcomes of Fetal Cardiac Anomalies

Abstract Objectives This article describes the incidence, detection rate, and birth outcomes of congenital heart disease (CHD) within a single center over an 11-year period. Methods A database of patients diagnosed with CHD on antenatal ultrasound or within 12 months of delivery was collated from January 2010 to December 2020. A retrospective review of records was performed to establish the incidence of CHD and the antenatal detection rate (ADR). A Fisher's exact test was used to investigate the association between the type of CHD, the presence of a genetic abnormality, extracardiac anomalies, and the ADR. Results The incidence of CHD was 4.3 per 1,000 maternities (n = 161). Fifty-five percent of anomalies were diagnosed antenatally. Twenty-seven percent underwent termination of pregnancy. Seventy-three percent of cases were alive at the end of follow-up. Patients with a major form of CHD were more likely to receive an antenatal diagnosis compared with those with other forms of CHD (64.9% vs. 39.1%, p 0.002). The presence of extracardiac abnormalities was associated with a higher ADR. Conclusion The incidence of CHD was 4.3 per 1,000 maternities. Most major cardiac anomalies were diagnosed antenatally. Detection rates varied depending on the nature of the lesion and the presence of other congenital anomalies. Implications for Clinical Practice Cardiac anomalies are the most common form of birth defect. Reported incidence rates lie between 4 and 20 per 1,000 live births. This study describes the incidence, pregnancy outcomes, and ADR of cardiac anomalies within one Scottish health board. It provides insight into the effectiveness of a national screening program in detecting CHD and the factors that influence ADR. Therefore, it can be used to more effectively counsel patients on the strengths and limitations of antenatal ultrasound for detecting CHD.

Consequences of Fetal Cardiac Anomalies: A Two-Year Experience in a Tertiary Perinatology Center

Consequences of Fetal Cardiac Anomalies: A Two-Year Experience in a Tertiary Perinatology Center

Fetal transposition of the great arteries: 3D virtual and physical models from ultrasound datasets.

Transposition of the great arteries (TGA) is a cyanotic congenital heart disease characterized by ventriculoarterial discordance and atrioventricular concordance with the great arteries in a parallel relationship. Prenatal diagnosis of TGA has implications for postnatal outcomes, allowing for planned delivery and perinatal management. Three-dimensional virtual or physical models of fetal TGA allow better understanding of fetal cardiac anomalies by parents and interactive discussion among the multidisciplinary team (obstetricians, pediatricians, maternal-fetal specialists, pediatric cardiologists, and cardiovascular surgeons), as well as continuing medical education.

The impact of specialty training and physician attitudes on fetal cardiac counseling

Objective Fetal cardiac anomalies are the most commonly diagnosed structural anomalies. In these cases, Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM) specialists are tasked with counseling patients on a spectrum of diagnoses as well as their prognostic implications. A recent study of pediatric cardiologists demonstrated that personal beliefs regarding termination impact the counseling provided to patients. Our objective was to study whether the personal beliefs of MFMs impact counseling of patients with severe fetal cardiac anomalies and to compare these providers to their cardiology counterparts. Methods We conducted an anonymous cross-sectional survey of MFMs in New England that assessed personal beliefs and counseling practices when diagnosing hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS). We subsequently compared these providers to the previously surveyed cardiologists. Results A total of 34 respondents representing a broad spectrum of age and experience across several states in New England were analyzed. When presented with the statement “some life is always better than no life at all,” 79% (n = 27) of respondents disagreed and all respondents (n = 34) offered termination, palliative care, and treatment options when counseling patients with HLHS. Additionally, while 74% (n = 25) of providers would personally support a decision to terminate a pregnancy with HLHS, 94% (n = 32) would professionally support the decision to pursue termination. MFMs and cardiologists differed in their responses to “some life is better than no life” and the belief that termination should be offered, though differences did not reach statistical significance. However, with respect to the providers’ personal and professional support of the decision to terminate the pregnancy, the groups of respondents varied significantly in their level of support, both professionally and personally with fewer cardiologists supporting this decision. Conclusion When diagnosing a severe and potentially fatal congenital cardiac anomaly, counseling by MFMs was largely unaffected by personal beliefs regarding termination of pregnancy. While this is consistent with previously published data on counseling practices among pediatric cardiology specialists, some important differences between the specialties were seen.

Epidemiology studies on effects of lithium salts in pregnancy are confounded by the inability to control for other potentially teratogenic factors.

In bipolar women who took lithium during pregnancy, several epidemiology studies have reported small increases in a rare fetal cardiac defect termed Ebstein's anomaly. Behavioral, environmental, and lifestyle-associated risk factors associated with bipolar disorder and health insurance status were determined from an Internet search. The search was conducted from October 1, 2023, through October 14, 2023. The search terms employed included the following: bipolar, bipolar disorder, mood disorders, pregnancy, congenital heart defects, Ebstein's anomaly, diabetes, hypertension, Medicaid, Medicaid patients, alcohol use, cigarette smoking, marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine, narcotics, nutrition, diet, obesity, body mass index, environment, environmental exposures, poverty, socioeconomic status, divorce, unemployment, and income. No quotes, special fields, truncations, etc., were used in the searches. No filters of any kind were used in the searches. Women who remain on lithium in the United States throughout their pregnancy are likely to be experiencing mania symptoms and/or suicidal ideation refractory to other drugs. Pregnant women administered the highest doses of lithium salts would be expected to have been insufficiently responsive to lower doses. Any small increases in the retrospectively determined risk of fetal cardiac anomalies in bipolar women taking lithium salts cannot be disentangled from potential developmental effects resulting from very high rates of cigarette smoking, poor diet, alcohol abuse, ingestion of illegal drugs like cocaine or opioids, marijuana smoking, obesity, and poverty. The small risks in fetal cardiac abnormalities reported in the epidemiology literature do not establish a causal association for lithium salts and Ebstein's anomaly.

Results of karyotype analysis and 22q11.2 (DiGeorge Syndrome critical region) deletion investigation in fetal cardiac system anomalies

The results of karyotype analysis and 22q11.2 ( DiGeorge Syndrome critical region) deletion investigation in fetal cardiac system anomalies 
 Objective: We aimed to determine the presence of accompanying chromosomal anomalies and 22q11.2 deletion in patients with cardiac system anomalies.
 Material and Methods: In our retrospective and cross-sectional study, 99 fetuses born with cardiac anomalies were evaluated in terms of chromosomal anomalies. 36 fetuses were evaluated for 22q11.2 deletion. Fetuses who were diagnosed with prenatal congenital heart defect and underwent invasive prenatal diagnostic tests for fetal karyotyping between 01.01.2010 and 30.06.2017 at a tertiary cancer center were included in the study.
 Results: Of 99 cases, 48 (48.4%) had only cardiac anomalies and 51 (51.5%) had non-cardiac anomalies. Chromosomal anomalies were found in 37 (37.4%) of the cases. Autosomal trisomy 18(43.2%) and autosomal trisomy 21(32.4%) were the most common chromosomal anomalies. The study results support the strong association of chromosomal changes and cardiac malformation, especially in septal defects, atrioventricular septal defects, and conotruncal malformations. Deletion was detected in one(2.8%) of 36 cases evaluated for 22q11.2 deletion. The fetus with this deletion had isolated tetralogy of fallot and had no extracardiac anomaly.
 Conclusion: In cases with cardiac anomalies, isolated or accompanied by extracardiac anomalies, investigations should be made in terms of underlying chromosomal diseases in the perinatal evaluation. In addition, the investigation of 22q11.2 deletion in fetuses with conotruncal cardiac anomalies should be included in prenatal genetic examination.
 Keywords: DiGeorge Syndrome, Fetal Anomalies, karyotype, trisomy, 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome

Role of Fetal Cardiac MRI in Assessment of Congenital Heart Diseases in Comparison to Fetal Echocardiography

Introduction •Abnormalities of the cardiovascular system are the most common congenital diseases in the fetus and the first cause of infant mortality (Johnson et al. 2014). •Without a doubt, Echocardiography is the method of choice to visualize the fetal cardiac cardiovascular abnormalities. Unlike fetal echocardiography imaging, cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) is relatively unaected by maternal and fetal conditions such as maternal obesity, uterine myoma, twins, oligohydramnios, fetal position and rib calcification, which particularly impair sonographic visualization of the fetal heart (Donofrio et al. 2014; Wielandner et al. 2013). •Fetal cardiac MR imaging is a novel MRI technique which can provide valuable information that could add to the prenatal diagnosis and evaluation of cardiac and most of extra-cardiac anomalies. The evaluation of pre-natal congenital cardiac anomalies is important for postnatal management. Aim of the work To highlight the advantage of MRI over fetal echocardiography in assessment of fetal congenital cardiac anomalies. Methods and material Twenty-six feti with suspected or diagnosed congenital cardiac anomalies. All cases underwent detailed history taking, fetal echocardiography and fetal cardiac MR. Study is approved by the ethics review board of Ain Shams University Hospital. Fetal echocardiography was done according to standard protocol and performed by suitable curvilinear probe. Then MRI of the fetal heart was done with uterine SURVEY_BFFE (balanced fast field echo), Black blood single shot -BH, white blood Cine, sBFFE_RLT DYN 3D(real time 3Ddynamic). Images were acquired in the transverse, four-chamber, shortaxis, coronal and oblique sagittal views. Findings of fetal echocardiography were compared with that of cardiac MRI. Results •Regarding the diagnostic performance of prenatal Echo and fetal cardiac MRI showed significant moderate agreement between the two modalities in the detection of different congenital cardiac anomalies, Kappa test: 0.500; p-value 0.021*. •Qualitative analysis: All cardiac structures were delineable by echocardiography and cardiac MRI. There was full agreement(κ = 1) between fetal echocardiography and cardiac MRI in evaluating the cardiac situs(24normal,1 levocardia, 1 ectopia cordis), aorta (20normal, 3 hypoplastic aorta,1 aortic stenosis,1 rt. Sided aortic arch and 1 small sized aorta), transverse cardiac diameter (22 normal, 4 cardiomegaly), foramen ovale (25 normal, 1 large single atrium), Good agreement was found between echocardiography and cardiac MRI for detection of position of the cardiac apex (23 normal, 2 dextrocardia and 1 mesocardia) •Fetal MRI had a significant role in detection of additional extracardiac anomalies in 13 cases. Conclusion fetal cardiac MR imaging as an adjunct to fetal echocardiography may provide valuable information that could add to the prenatal diagnosis and evaluation of cardiac and most of extra cardiac anomalies.

Evaluation of fetal cardiac anomalies and their outcomes in isolated cardiac anomalies and non-isolated groups and based on minor and major abnormalities

Background: This study was aimed to evaluate the characteristics and outcomes of isolated CHD and non isolated CHD and also compare with major and minor cardiac anomalies.

Fetal echocardiography in a low-income setting: relying on local Maternal-fetal medicine experts for detection of fetal cardiac anomalies.

To describe the experience of performing fetal echocardiography (FE) to detect fetal cardiac anomalies prenatally in an Ethiopian setting. A cross-sectional study was conducted at St Paul's Hospital Millennium Medical College (Addis Ababa, Ethiopia), from October 1, 2019 to September 30, 2020. Data for FEcases (on a risk-factor indication basis) performed at 22-24 weeks at the hospital during the study period were collected prospectively and analyzed using SPSSS version 23. Simple descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. Results were presented as percentages and frequencies. A total of 142 women who had FEwere analyzed in this study. Fetal structural defect in other systems and maternal diabetes mellitus were the commonest indications for FE, seen in 48.2% (67/142) and 25.7% (36/142) of the participants, respectively. There were 5 cases(3.5%) of fetal cardiac anomalies among which were hypoplastic left heart syndrome, pulmonary stenosis, and cardiac tumor. The prevalence of fetal cardiac anomalies in this study was found to be 3.5%. Fetal structural defects and maternal diabetes mellitus were the commonest indications for FEwhich is consistent with findings from previous similar studies.

LBSUN180 Preconception Counseling And Reproductive Education Program For People With Diabetes (PREPP'D) - An Educational Program For Underserved Women With Diabetes

Abstract Background Unintended pregnancy in women with diabetes is associated with high public cost, delay in initiating prenatal care, and maternal and fetal complications. One third of the women with diabetes in our underserved prenatal clinic present with an HbA1C >7.5%. Due to limited data regarding preconception counseling for women with diabetes, we developed PREPP'D, a quality improvement initiative and educational program aiming to improve women's and providers’ knowledge of diabetes and pregnancy, increase awareness of contraception options, and implement standard protocols in our diabetes clinic for underserved populations. Design: A questionnaire was developed to measure the rate of contraception use and assess women's knowledge regarding pregnancy planning. The questionnaire has two sections: general questions about the woman's reproductive health, contraception use, and current pregnancy plan and specific questions about the woman's current knowledge about pregnancy and diabetes including glycemic targets and glucose monitoring and medication safety during pregnancy. The latter part of the questionnaire was scored with 6 points indicating all questions answered correctly. Women aged 18-50 with pre-gestational diabetes were identified and given an English or Spanish questionnaire prior to seeing the provider. The providers were given a prewritten SmartPhrase to guide counseling and explaining the importance of pre-pregnancy planning, glucose targets during pregnancy, and medication optimization. After the visit, women were given an educational flyer. Results Thirty-six women aged 21-49 years with type 1 (n=16), type 2 (n=19), or steroid-induced (n=1) diabetes are included in this analysis. Women were from various backgrounds: Black/African American (n = 4), non-Hispanic White (n = 11), Hispanic (n =18), and other (n=3). Average diabetes duration was 10.2 (range 1-32) years. Mean HbA1C was 8.7% (range 5.3-14.7%). Only seven women met the HbA1C target goal for pregnancy (<6.5%). Complications of diabetes were reported in 23%, and one woman reported prior fetal cardiac anomalies. Of the three women planning pregnancies within the next year, only one had an HbA1c <6.5%. The mean questionnaire score was 1.6/6 points (±1.3, range 0-5) with nine women scoring 0 points. Documentation of pregnancy discussion was noted in 83% of records (compared to 38% prior to intervention). Conclusions Knowledge of pregnancy is limited for many women with diabetes. PREPP'D is a novel approach to standardize preconception counseling in the diabetes clinic. It also provides an opportunity to raise women's and providers’ awareness about diabetes and pregnancy. The next step of this project is to conduct follow-up surveys for both women and providers 3 to 6 months post initial survey to assess impact and improve future interventions including expansion to adolescents. Presentation: Sunday, June 12, 2022 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Prenatal diagnosis of Miller-Dieker syndrome/PAFAH1B1-related lissencephaly: Ultrasonography and genetically investigative results

ObjectiveTo present the experience on prenatal diagnosis of Miller-Dieker syndrome (MDS)/PAFAH1B1-related lissencephaly to further determine fetal phenotypes of this syndrome. Study designThis was a retrospective study of ten pregnancies with fetal MDS/PAFAH1B1-related lissencephaly identified by chromosomal microarray (CMA)/exome sequencing (ES). Clinical and laboratory data were collected and reviewed for these cases, including maternal demographics, prenatal sonographic findings, CMA or ES results and pregnancy outcomes. ResultsTwo cases were diagnosed in the first trimester because of an increased nuchal translucency. The remaining eight cases were identified at late gestation, including four in the second trimester because of fetal cardiac anomalies or ventriculomegaly, and four in the third trimester because of ventriculomegaly. CMA revealed 17p13.3 deletions in nine cases, and ES detected a de novo PAFAH1B1 missense mutation in one case. ConclusionThe prenatal presentation of MDS/PAFAH1B1-related lissencephaly depended on the gestational age when the diagnosis was made. Mild ventriculomegaly was the most common prenatal sonographic sign identified in cases of MDS/PAFAH1B1-related lissencephaly. It is important that fetal MRI and invasive testing with CMA should be considered in fetuses with apparently ‘isolated’ mild ventriculomegaly.

Fetal myocardial deformation measured with two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography: longitudinal prospective cohort study of 124 healthy fetuses.

ABSTRACTObjectivesTwo‐dimensional speckle‐tracking echocardiography (2D‐STE) is a promising technique which allows assessment of fetal cardiac function, and can be used in the evaluation of cardiac and non‐cardiac diseases in pregnancy. However, reliable fetal reference values for deformation parameters measured using 2D‐STE are needed before it can be introduced into clinical practice. This study aimed to obtain reference values for fetal global longitudinal strain (GLS) and GLS rate (GLSR) measured using 2D‐STE and compare right and left ventricular values.MethodsThis was a prospective longitudinal cohort study of uncomplicated pregnancies that underwent echocardiography every 4 weeks from inclusion at 18–21 weeks until delivery to obtain four‐chamber loops of the fetal heart. Left and right ventricular GLS and GLSR were measured using 2D‐STE at each examination. Using Bayesian mixed‐effects models, reference values with lower and upper 5% prediction limits were calculated according to gestational age. Right and left ventricular GLS values according to gestational age were compared using the Wilcoxon signed‐rank test.ResultsA total of 592 left ventricular and 566 right ventricular GLS and GLSR measurements were obtained from 124 women with uncomplicated pregnancy and non‐anomalous, appropriately grown fetuses. Reference values were obtained for both fetal ventricles according to gestational week. GLS and GLSR values of both ventricles increased (i.e. became less negative) significantly during pregnancy. Right ventricular GLS values were significantly higher (i.e. less negative) than the respective left ventricular values at every gestational week.ConclusionsReference values were obtained for fetal GLS and GLSR measured using 2D‐STE. GLS and GLSR values increased significantly for both ventricles from the second trimester until delivery. GLS values were significantly higher for the right ventricle compared with the left ventricle. Future studies are needed to assess whether the obtained reference values are helpful in clinical practice in the assessment of pregnancy complications, such as fetal growth restriction or cardiac anomaly. © 2022 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

First-trimester ultrasound detection of fetal heart anomalies: systematic review and meta-analysis.

ABSTRACTObjectivesTo determine the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound at 11–14 weeks' gestation in the detection of fetal cardiac abnormalities and to evaluate factors that impact the detection rate.MethodsThis was a systematic review of studies evaluating the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound in the detection of fetal cardiac anomalies at 11–14 weeks' gestation, performed by two independent reviewers. An electronic search of four databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science Core Collection and The Cochrane Library) was conducted for studies published between January 1998 and July 2020. Prospective and retrospective studies evaluating pregnancies at any prior level of risk and in any healthcare setting were eligible for inclusion. The reference standard used was the detection of a cardiac abnormality on postnatal or postmortem examination. Data were extracted from the included studies to populate 2 × 2 tables. Meta‐analysis was performed using a random‐effects model in order to determine the performance of first‐trimester ultrasound in the detection of major cardiac abnormalities overall and of individual types of cardiac abnormality. Data were analyzed separately for high‐risk and non‐high‐risk populations. Preplanned secondary analyses were conducted in order to assess factors that may impact screening performance, including the imaging protocol used for cardiac assessment (including the use of color‐flow Doppler), ultrasound modality, year of publication and the index of sonographer suspicion at the time of the scan. Risk of bias and quality assessment were undertaken for all included studies using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS‐2) tool.ResultsThe electronic search yielded 4108 citations. Following review of titles and abstracts, 223 publications underwent full‐text review, of which 63 studies, reporting on 328 262 fetuses, were selected for inclusion in the meta‐analysis. In the non‐high‐risk population (45 studies, 306 872 fetuses), 1445 major cardiac anomalies were identified (prevalence, 0.41% (95% CI, 0.39–0.43%)). Of these, 767 were detected on first‐trimester ultrasound examination of the heart and 678 were not detected. First‐trimester ultrasound had a pooled sensitivity of 55.80% (95% CI, 45.87–65.50%), specificity of 99.98% (95% CI, 99.97–99.99%) and positive predictive value of 94.85% (95% CI, 91.63–97.32%) in the non‐high‐risk population. The cases diagnosed in the first trimester represented 63.67% (95% CI, 54.35–72.49%) of all antenatally diagnosed major cardiac abnormalities in the non‐high‐risk population. In the high‐risk population (18 studies, 21 390 fetuses), 480 major cardiac anomalies were identified (prevalence, 1.36% (95% CI, 1.20–1.52%)). Of these, 338 were detected on first‐trimester ultrasound examination and 142 were not detected. First‐trimester ultrasound had a pooled sensitivity of 67.74% (95% CI, 55.25–79.06%), specificity of 99.75% (95% CI, 99.47–99.92%) and positive predictive value of 94.22% (95% CI, 90.22–97.22%) in the high‐risk population. The cases diagnosed in the first trimester represented 79.86% (95% CI, 69.89–88.25%) of all antenatally diagnosed major cardiac abnormalities in the high‐risk population. The imaging protocol used for examination was found to have an important impact on screening performance in both populations (P < 0.0001), with a significantly higher detection rate observed in studies using at least one outflow‐tract view or color‐flow Doppler imaging (both P < 0.0001). Different types of cardiac anomaly were not equally amenable to detection on first‐trimester ultrasound.ConclusionsFirst‐trimester ultrasound examination of the fetal heart allows identification of over half of fetuses affected by major cardiac pathology. Future first‐trimester screening programs should follow structured anatomical assessment protocols and consider the introduction of outflow‐tract views and color‐flow Doppler imaging, as this would improve detection rates of fetal cardiac pathology. © 2021 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Effect of Valproic Acid on Maternal - Fetal Heart Rates and Coupling in Mice on Embryonic day 15.5 (E15.5).

Prenatal uptake of valproic acid (VPA) was associated with increased risk of fetal cardiac anomalies and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), but uptake of VPA is considered the only effective treatment for epilepsy and other neurological disorders. Up until now, little is known about the effect of VPA on maternal - fetal heart rate (HR) coupling patterns; therefore, this study aims at studying such patterns in mice on embryonic day 15.5 (E15.5). At E12.5, 8 mothers were injected with VPA (VPA group) and another 8 mothers were injected with saline (control group). At E15.5, electrocardiogram (ECG) records of 15 minutes were collected from the 16 mothers and 25 fetuses. A maximum of 5-minutes and a minimum of 1-minute were selected from the ECG data for analysis. Mean RR intervals and coupling ratios and their occurrence percentages were calculated per 1minute. 1-minute analysis was done for periods with no arrhythmia and clear R peaks. The total number of 1-minute segments that were analyzed was 56 for the saline group and 54 for the VPA group. The correlation analysis between the 1:3 and 2:6 coupling ratios and RR intervals revealed that the ratios were significantly correlated in the saline group, whereas no significant correlations were observed in the VPA group. The results further revealed that fetal RR intervals are strongly correlated with maternal RR intervals in the saline group, but the same correlation is different in the VPA group. The presented results imply that maintaining certain coupling patterns are important for proper fetal cardiac development and maternal uptake of VPA may affect maternal-fetal HRs interactions.

Role of Ultrasound in diagnosis of fetal cardiac anomalies

Background: Congenital cardiac disease is seen in 2–6.5 of 1000 live births and is a major cause of morbidity and mortality, with half of these cases being lethal or requiring surgical correction. Environmental, genetic, and chromosomal abnormalities are believed to be causes of congenital cardiac defects, with a higher incidence among infants with affected siblings or mother. Extra-cardiac abnormalities are associated with 25% of these cases, Aim and objectives: The aim of the present study is to assess the role of ultrasound in diagnosis of fetal cardiac anomalies, Subjects and methods: This was a cross sectional study that was conducted on 100 pregnant ladies between 18 and 40 weeks gestation dated by last menstrual period (LMP) referred to fetal echocardiography unit of radiology department of kasr El Ainy from Banha university hospital and other private clinics with suspected cardiac anomalies by routine obstetric ultrasound, Results: the results that sensitivity of U/S in detection of paediatric heart disease was 100%, specificity was 96.1%, PPV was 96%, NPV was 100%, accuracy was 98% with area under ROC curve 0.99, Conclusion: Prenatal diagnoses of fetal cardiac anomalies made by morphological ultrasonography exhibited good sensitivity, specificity, prenatal to postnatal concordance, and diagnostic validity.

Prenatal diagnosis of an aberrant ductus venosus draining into the coronary sinus using two- and three-dimensional echocardiography: a case report

BackgroundDuctus venosus (DV) abnormalities may be associated with intracardiac or extracardiac deformities, chromosomal anomalies, and/or congestive heart failure. Aberrant DV connecting with the coronary sinus (CS) is rare and the prenatal diagnosis presents challenges for most examiners.Case presentation A 35-year-old pregnant woman, gravida 2, para 1, was referred to our center at 27 gestational weeks for a full evaluation of fetal cardiac anomalies. Transverse scans indicated normal cardiac anatomy except for a dilated CS; we then scanned sagittal planes to clarify the reasons for the CS dilatation. High-definition flow imaging (HDFI) together with radiant flow (R-flow) imaging was used to delineate the aberrant DV returning to the CS, enabling the diagnosis. Three-dimensional (3D) technology was also used to obtain color-rendered images showing the spatial relationships of the vessels involved, thus confirming the two-dimensional (2D) diagnosis. Chromosomal analysis revealed a normal karyotype. The neonate appeared healthy and the echocardiogram showed a normal cardiac anatomy except for a dilated CS with the DV closed and imperceptible.ConclusionsThe aberrant course of the DV returning to the CS was clearly demonstrable by traditional 2D echocardiography using HDFI and the R-flow technique. We deem it helpful to trace the inflow of the dilated CS to make the differential diagnosis. The 3D modality might also provide additional spatial information on the associated vessels and thereby assist in prenatal diagnosis.

Postpartum depression in mothers with pregnancies complicated by fetal cardiac anomaly.

To investigate factors associated with positive postpartum depression (PPD) screen in pregnancies complicated by fetal congenital cardiac anomaly. We reviewed all records of pregnancies complicated by fetal congenital cardiac anomaly receiving prenatal, intrapartum and postpartum care at our single center, October 2016-October 2019. Maternal, obstetric, and neonatal data were compared between women with and without a positive PPD screen at the 6-week postpartum visit. Out of 415 women referred for fetal congenital cardiac anomaly, 86 women had complete inclusion criteria. Twenty-four women (28%) had a positive PPD screen. The frequencies of planned future infant surgery (73.9 vs. 26.2%, p = 0.01) and neonatal death prior to postpartum visit (12.5 vs. 0%, p = 0.02) were significantly higher among women with a positive PPD screen. In pregnancies complicated by fetal congenital cardiac anomaly, mothers of infants with planned future surgery or neonatal death are at significant risk for postpartum depression.

Cardiac hemodynamics in fetuses with transposition of the great arteries and intact ventricular septum from diagnosis to end of pregnancy: longitudinal follow-up.

Little is known about cardiac hemodynamics in the fetus with transposition of the great arteries and intact ventricular septum (TGA-IVS). Better understanding of the fetal physiology in TGA-IVS would help to provide insights into specific clinical complications observed after birth, in particular neonatal hypoxia and pulmonary hypertension. The aim of this study was to assess cardiac hemodynamics in fetuses with TGA-IVS by performing systematic longitudinal echocardiographic follow-up from diagnosis to delivery. This was a longitudinal retrospective study of fetuses referred between 2010 and 2018 to the Sainte-Justine University Hospital Centre. Complete assessment of cardiac hemodynamics was performed in fetuses with TGA-IVS at 18-22, 28-32 and 35-38 weeks' gestation, which were compared with normal fetuses matched for gestational age. The maximum diameter of the foramen ovale was measured using two-dimensional echocardiography under the guidance of color Doppler echocardiography. Fetal cardiac hemodynamics were analyzed according to postnatal preductal transcutaneous oxygen saturation (TcSO2 ) < 65% or ≥ 65%, as a neonatal outcome, in fetuses with TGA-IVS. In total, 59 fetuses with TGA-IVS and 160 normal fetuses were included. Global cardiac output was significantly higher in fetuses with TGA-IVS than in controls, mainly owing to higher global pulmonary output, while global systemic cardiac output did not differ between TGA-IVS fetuses and controls throughout pregnancy. Aortic flow (right ventricular output in fetuses with TGA-IVS, left ventricular output in controls) was significantly higher in fetuses with TGA-IVS than in normal fetuses. Ductal flow was significantly lower in fetuses with TGA-IVS at every timepoint, and this difference increased considerably after 28-32 weeks. In parallel, the diameter of the foramen ovale was significantly smaller in fetuses with TGA-IVS at 28-32 and 35-38 weeks, with a stagnation in growth after 28 weeks, compared with continuous growth in normal fetuses. Most of these cardiac hemodynamic anomalies in fetuses with TGA-IVS were already present at 18-22 weeks, and the differences became greater at 28-32 weeks' gestation. TGA-IVS neonates with TcSO2 < 65% had lower fetal left ventricular output, higher diastolic ductal retrograde flow and smaller foramen ovale at 28-32 weeks, compared with fetal values in those with postnatal TcSO2 ≥ 65%. Compared with normal fetuses, those with TGA-IVS undergo a complex redistribution of blood flow during the second half of pregnancy, with higher global pulmonary flow, lower ductal flow (with negative diastolic flow at the end of pregnancy) and a smaller foramen ovale. In addition, fetal cardiac hemodynamic anomalies observed at 28-32 weeks' gestation were associated with lower postnatal TcSO2 . These observations may provide a better understanding of premature closure of the foramen ovale and postnatal hypoxia that are specific to TGA-IVS physiology. © 2019 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

545 Completion of fetal echocardiogram (FE) in the obese parturient

Maternal obesity is a risk factor for fetal complications including fetal cardiac anomalies, but also decreases detection of anomalies. Thus, our objective was to evaluate completion rates of fetal echocardiography (FE) in patients with obesity. Retrospective review of all FE ultrasound (US) studies at an AIUM fetal echo accredited single academic center from2016 to 2019. Patients were stratified by pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) into normal weight (NW) and Class I, II and III obesity. Ten key cardiac structures were defined as critical for complete FE. The percentage of views completed on Level II anatomic US and first FE were compared between groups. Primary outcome was percentage of views obtained by the conclusion of initial FE, compared between groups, with secondary outcome of number of follow up examinations needed. Data compared by ANOVA with P<0.05 considered significant. A total of 749 patients underwent 899 FEs. Completion percentage differed significantly between groups (NW- 84%, Class I 80%, Class II 80%, Class III 77%, P=.001). There were also significantly more follow up FE scans (NW 1.83 ±0.87, Class I 2.26 ±1.31, Class II 2.21±1.01, Class III 3.57±2.06; P<.0001). Increasing BMI is associated with decreased visualization of fetal cardiac structures by the conclusion of initial FE and an increase in total ultrasounds needed even at a high-quality academic FE ultrasound unit. Given the increasing rate of maternal obesity, continued efforts to improve technique, technology and potentially to adjust timing of initial ultrasound evaluation should be explored.

Correlation between assisted reproductive technology-induced pregnancy and fetal cardiac anomalies.

Objective To investigate the incidence of fetal heart defects in assisted reproductive technology (ART)-induced pregnancies compared to natural pregnancies as well as to detect their fetal and maternal risk factors associated with ART.Methods In this retrospective cohort study, we collected data from the medical records belonging to 2877 pregnant women's fetuses, who underwent fetal echocardiography for various reasons, including ART, over the last 3 years.Results There were no major cardiac anomaly in the ART-induced pregnancies, while it was seen in 1.32% of natural pregnancies; so, ART did not increase the risk of major cardiac anomalies. However, the incidence of fetal mild cardiac anomalies among fetuses derived from ART-induced pregnancies (51.43%) was significantly higher than that of natural pregnancies (44.43%, p=0.03). None of the ART-induced pregnancies had a history of a child with cardiac disease (vs. 7.56% in natural pregnancies). Also, the increased nuchal thickness (NT) and extra-cardiac anomalies were significantly more prevalent among natural pregnancies, indicating a significant negative correlation between ART and these two risk factors [χ2=10.24, r: -0.06, 95% CI(-0.0974 to -0.0221) and χ2=47.25, r: -0.129, 95% CI(-0.1656 to -0.0913), p<0.01, respectively]. The adjusted odds ratio of developing fetal mild cardiac anomalies were 1.37 times higher greater for ART-induced pregnancies compared to natural pregnancies [95% CI(1.072-1.769), p=0.01].Conclusions Although the likelihood of developing fetal mild cardiac anomalies was 1.37 times higher for ART-induced pregnancy compared to natural pregnancy, ART did not increase the risk of major cardiac anomalies Although the likelihood of developing fetal mild cardiac anomalies was 1.37 times higher for ART-induced pregnancy compared to natural pregnancy, ART did not increase the risk of major cardiac anomalies.