Fetal Echocardiographic Findings Research Articles

Staged biventricular repair in a premature neonate with critical aortic stenosis, severe mitral regurgitation, and fetal hydrops: a case report

BackgroundThe surgical management of critical aortic stenosis, mitral regurgitation, and left ventricular dysfunction is a significant clinical challenge. Whether left ventricular function will recover to support systemic circulation after the relief of aortic stenosis is a concern. In this setting, surgical or balloon aortic valvotomy combined with bilateral pulmonary artery banding and atrial septectomy may allow time for left ventricular adaptation, while the systemic circulation is supported by the right ventricle through the ductus arteriosus. We describe the case of a premature neonate with critical aortic stenosis, severe mitral regurgitation, and fetal hydrops who successfully underwent staged biventricular repair after bilateral pulmonary artery banding, atrial septectomy, balloon aortic valvuloplasty, and stent implantation for ductus arteriosus.Case presentationA 29-year-old female was referred to our hospital at 25 weeks of gestation with fetal echocardiography findings of critical aortic stenosis, severely impaired left ventricular function, severe mitral regurgitation, and restrictive foramen ovale. At 33 weeks of gestational age, the baby was born via cesarean delivery. Prostaglandin E1 infusion was immediately initiated, and the neonate underwent emergecy bilateral pulmonary artery banding and atrial septectomy. On the second day, a balloon aortic valvuloplasty was performed. The neonate underwent stent implantation to open the ductus arteriosus and multiple-balloon aortic valvuloplasty. At 4 months of age, he underwent biventricular repair consisting of surgical aortic valvuloplasty, atrial septal defect closure, bilateral pulmonary artery debanding, and ductus arteriosus ligation. At 1 year of age, he underwent the Ross –Konno procedure. Six years after the operation, the patient’s general condition was stable, and the patient is doing well.ConclusionsStaged biventricular repair was successfully achieved in a premature neonate with fetal hydrops and critical aortic stenosis associated with severe mitral valve regurgitation and left ventricular dysfunction.

Prenatal Diagnosis of Congenital Heart Disease: The Crucial Role of Perinatal and Delivery Planning.

Although most congenital heart defects (CHDs) are asymptomatic at birth, certain CHD lesions are at significant risk of severe hemodynamic instability and death if emergent cardiac interventions are not performed in a timely fashion. Therefore, accurate identification of at-risk fetuses and appropriate delivery resource planning according to the degree of anticipated hemodynamic instability is crucial. Fetal echocardiography has increased prenatal CHD detection in recent years due to advancements in ultrasound techniques and improved obstetrical cardiac screening protocols, enabling the prediction of newborns' hemodynamic status. This assessment can guide multidisciplinary resource planning for postnatal care, including selection of delivery site, delivery room management, and transport to a cardiac center based on CHD risk severity. This review will discuss fetal cardiovascular physiology and the circulatory changes that occur at the time of and immediately following birth, outline fetal echocardiographic findings used to risk-stratify newborns with CHDs, and outline principles for neonatal resuscitation and initial transitional care in neonates with these complex CHD lesions.

Double aortic arch: implications of antenatal diagnosis, differential growth of arches during pregnancy, associated abnormalities and postnatal outcome.

To evaluate the prenatal characteristics of double aortic arch (DAA), assess the relative size of the arches and their growth during pregnancy, describe associated cardiac, extracardiac and chromosomal/genetic abnormalities and review postnatal presentation and clinical outcome. This was a retrospective cohort study of all fetuses with a confirmed diagnosis of DAA seen in five specialized referral centers in London, UK, between October 2012 and November 2019. Cases were identified from the hospitals' fetal databases. Fetal echocardiographic findings, intracardiac and extracardiac abnormalities, genetic defects, computed tomography (CT) findings and postnatal clinical presentation and outcome were evaluated. A total of 79 fetuses with DAA were included. Of those assessed postnatally, 48.6% had an atretic left aortic arch (LAA), while 5.1% had an atretic LAA at the first fetal scan and were misdiagnosed antenatally with right aortic arch (RAA). The LAA was atretic in 55.8% of those who underwent CT. DAA was an isolated abnormality in 91.1% of cases; 8.9% of patients had an additional intracardiac abnormality and 2.5% had both intra- and extracardiac abnormalities. Among the 52 cases that underwent genetic testing, 11.5% had genetic abnormalities and, specifically, the 22q11 microdeletion was identified in 3.8% of patients. At a median follow-up of 993.5 days, 42.5% of patients had developed symptoms of tracheoesophageal compression (5.5% during the first month after birth) and 56.2% had undergone intervention. Statistical analysis using the χ-square test showed no significant relationship between morphology of DAA (patency of both aortic arches vs atretic LAA) and the need for intervention (P = 0.134), development of vascular ring symptoms (P = 0.350) or evidence of airway compression on CT (P = 0.193). Most cases of DAA can be diagnosed easily at midgestation, as typically both arches are patent with a dominant RAA at this stage. However, we found that the LAA had become atretic in approximately half of the cases postnatally, supporting the theory of differential growth of the arches during pregnancy. DAA is usually an isolated abnormality; however, thorough assessment is required to exclude associated intra- and extracardiac anomalies and to determine the need for invasive prenatal genetic testing. Postnatally, early clinical assessment is needed and CT scan should be considered, irrespective of the presence of symptoms. © 2023 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Amniotic fluid biomarkers of fetal stress response to cardiac dysfunction in twin-twin transfusion syndrome

Recipient twin (RT) cardiovascular changes in twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) are associated with increased mortality. This relationship is likely related to a cascade of pathophysiologic changes in the RT progressing to multisystem organ failure. We sought to evaluate biomarkers of inflammation, stress, and tissue injury within amniotic fluid (AF) of RTs undergoing selective fetoscopic laser photocoagulation (SFLP) for TTTS and examine their relationship with fetal echocardiographic findings. AF samples from RTs were obtained from 39 monochorionic-diamniotic pregnancies complicated by TTTS. Those without preoperative fetal echocardiograms or evidence of selective intrauterine growth restriction were excluded from analysis with 24 remaining samples. 15 commonly utilized clinical biomarkers for inflammation, stress, and tissue injury were assessed using a flow-cytometry based multiplex immunoassay. Fetal echocardiograms were performed prior to SFLP with myocardial performance index (MPI) utilized as a measure of cardiac dysfunction. Pearson’s correlation was used for data analysis. RT Left ventricular MPI (LV-MPI) ranged from 0.28-0.74, with 11/24 RTs demonstrating abnormal MPI for GA (Z-score > 2). RT AF cortisol (r = 0.4527, p = 0.020), IL-6 (r = 0.44, p = 0.025), CRP (r = 0.431, p = 0.028), and myoglobin (r = 0.401, p = 0.042) levels correlated with recipient left ventricular MPI (LV-MPI). AF cortisol strongly correlated with AF myoglobin (r = 0.576, p < 0.001). RT with abnormal LV-MPI exhibited significantly higher AF cortisol levels compared to those with normal LV-MPI (p = 0.029). RT amniotic fluid demonstrates markers of inflammation, stress and cardiac injury in recipient twins with cardiac dysfunction. These markers may be indicators of disease progression in TTTS secondary to cardiac dysfunction. The presence of these markers implicate stress and the immune response in the pathophysiologic response to cardiac dysfunction in TTTS.

Determining the Association Between Congenital Heart Diseases in Fetuses With Plexus Choroid Cyst

Background and Aim: This cross-sectional study investigates the association between congenital heart diseases (CHD) in fetuses with choroid plexus cysts (CPCs) detected through fetal anomaly sonography. The study was conducted at Masoumeh Children Hospital in 2019. Materials and Methods: A total of 250 participants were enrolled using the available sampling method. The data included maternal age, gestational age, fetal sex, CPC presence, and CHD diagnosis. Fetal echocardiography was performed, and the participants were categorized into groups with and without CHD. The statistical analyses were carried out using the SPSS software, version 22. Descriptive statistics, the chi-square tests, and the independent t-tests were employed for data description and comparison. Results: The mean age of mothers with CPCs was 32.1±10.92 years, while in the healthy mothers’ group, it was 32.78±10.73. CPCs were observed in 57.8% of female neonates and 62.6% of male neonates, with no significant statistical relationship to fetal sex. Although the group with CPCs exhibited more abnormal fetal echocardiographic findings, no significant association was observed between these findings and CPC presence. Additionally, no significant relationship was identified between pregnancy term and CPC presence. Conclusion: Infants with CPC had a higher incidence of congenital heart defects, as seen on the echocardiogram; however, there was no significant correlation between the presence of these cysts and heart defects. Thus, parents need not to worry.

Fetal Echocardiographic Findings to Predict Early Surgical Repair and Neonatal Outcomes in Fetuses with Isolated Coarctation of the Aorta.

The aim of this study was to investigate fetal echocardiographic findings in predicting the need for surgical repair in fetuses with coarctation of the aorta (CoA) and to evaluate perinatal outcomes. In this retrospective study, fetuses diagnosed with CoA in a tertiary center between January 2015 and June 2021 were analyzed. Fetal echocardiographic measurements and quantitative findings, middle cerebral artery (MCA) and umbilical artery (UA) Doppler indices, and perinatal outcomes were recorded. A total of 57 fetuses with CoA were included in the study. In total, 51 (89.5%) pregnancies resulted in live births and 32 (62.8%) of the neonates underwent surgical repair. The left ventricle/right ventricle width ratio and aortic isthmus z-score were significantly lower in fetuses who underwent surgical repair (p = 0.004 0.001, respectively). Retrograde flow in the aortic isthmus (odds ratio [OR]:7.43; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.98-27.76), left-to-right foramen ovale shunt (OR: 8.50; 95% CI: 1.68-42.98), and ventricular septal defect (OR: 9.63; 95% CI: 1.90-48.74) were associated with the need for surgical repair. A new scoring system integrating these echocardiographic findings had 89% specificity and 54% sensitivity in predicting surgical repair. Fetal growth restriction rates, preterm birth rates, mean MCA pulsatility index (PI), and mean UA PI were similar in fetuses with and without surgical repair. A scoring system integrating echocardiographic findings in fetuses with CoA may improve the prediction of surgical repair need. There is no evidence of an increased risk of FGR, preterm birth, and brain sparing effect in fetuses with CoA who require surgical repair. · Coarctation of the aorta is one of the most difficult congenital heart defects to diagnose.. · A new scoring system may improve the prediction of surgical repair need.. · There is no increased risk of fetal growth restriction in fetuses requiring early surgical repair..

Fetal cardiac sectional schemas - Normal and abnormal. Part 1: Upper abdominal and thoracic sections.

A representational illustrated cardiac schema is useful for understanding and interpreting normal and abnormal fetal echocardiographic findings. Normal and abnormal fetal echocardiographic images can be better appreciated with the support of sectional schemas. An attempt is made to include normal and abnormal variations in both grayscale and color images for easy understanding with the help of the schemas. The fetal cardiac sectional schemas are drawn by the author, using Microsoft Office Word drawing canvas. It is based on the best grayscale, color Doppler, power-angio, 3-dimensional, and high definition flow ultrasound images, supported by embryological and anatomic specimens in literature. Different sections are drawn in accordance with the planes suggested by Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Society of Radiologists in Ultrasound, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine, American College of Radiology, and American Society of Echocardiography. Every effort has been meticulously pursued to match with the best ultrasound images with minor modifications for better clarity, understanding, and reproducibility. The drawings include normal and most of the common cardiac anomalies depicting different sectional views starting from the abdomen and upward. Each drawing complies with the ultrasound images. Users with basic computer knowledge can easily modify these images using them as templates for reference, reporting, and publications. An attempt is made to represent the fetal echocardiographic images by simplified memorable sectional schemas. These schemas will facilitate a better understanding and interpretation of various normal and abnormal fetal echocardiographic images. Being electronically transmittable, these schemas can be used as templates for further modifications.

Prenatal Diagnosis of a Lethal Skeletal Dysplasia.

Prenatal Diagnosis of a Lethal Skeletal Dysplasia.

Fetal Echocardiography for the General Pediatrician.

Fetal echocardiography is now commonly used to assess fetuses for congenital heart disease. To care for their patients, it is important for the pediatrician to understand the utility of the test, the benefits, and the limitations of the results. This review outlines the indications, components, and limitations of fetal echocardiography with a focus on the care that the pediatrician provides to newborns and their families. An understanding of the fetal cardiac examination can assist the pediatrician in caring for patients with either normal or abnormal test results. The need for and timing of postnatal cardiology follow-up, and guidance on referral for fetal echocardiogram for future pregnancies are all critical roles that the pediatrician can play. Most importantly, an understanding of the limitations, including difficult-to-diagnose lesions, allows the pediatrician to maintain a high level of suspicion for cardiac defects regardless of fetal echocardiography findings. [Pediatr Ann. 2021;50(3):e121-e127.].

Inter-twin differences in fetal echocardiographic findings are associated with decreased dual twin survival in twin-twin transfusion syndrome

Objective To determine if inter-twin differences in fetal echocardiographic findings are associated with fetal survival in monochorionic pregnancies complicated by twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS). Methods This study included women who underwent laser surgery for TTTS between 2012 and 2018 at a single institution. Echocardiographic cardiac parameters in the donor and recipient twins were compared using Z-scores and regression analyses (adjusted for confounding variables) to determine whether any measurable inter-twin differences were associated with neonatal survival at birth. Results are expressed as (Odds ratio [95% confidence interval], p-value). Results Fetal echocardiography and delivery information was available in 124 TTTS cases. Dual live-birth occurred in 72% and at least one live-birth was seen in 89% of cases. Sixty-four percent (51/79) of recipient twins had evidence of cardiac dysfunction compared to 10% (8/79) of the donor twins (p < .01). In the logistic regression, inter-twin differences in left ventricle short axis dimension (0.62[0.44–0.87], p < .01), aortic valve diameter (0.67[0.45–0.99], p = .047), peak systolic velocity across the pulmonary artery (PA-PSV) (0.09[0.01–0.53], p < .01) and mitral valve diameter (0.56[0.38–0.84], p < .01) were associated with lower dual twin survival at birth. Conclusion Inter-twin differences in left cardiac geometry and function are associated with decreased survival at delivery in TTTS.

Comparison of fetal echocardiography findings in mothers of gestational diabetes mellitus and control group

Increased metabolic rate of hyperglycemia in gestational diabetes causes macrosomia, which can also affect the Fetus heart. The thickness of the walls of the heart and its function in pregnant mothers of GDM can change over the ages before treatment. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the thickness of the walls of the heart and its function in the embryos with mothers of gestational diabetes mellitus in comparison with the control group for indirect evaluation of the effects of hyperglycemia on the heart of the fetal.Pregnant women between the ages of 28 to 32 weeks of gestational age who had anomalous scan ultrasonography between 22-22 weeks of normal who were included in the screening of a three hour glucose test for the definition of gestational gestational diabetes (GDM) compared with the control group using M –mode of ultrasound was evaluated for the thickness of the ventricles and the intra ventricular septum(IVS), as well as cardiac function.Of 93 cases, pregnant women with diabetes mellitus and 48 subjects were selected as controls. The mean age of the subjects was 26.33 with a standard deviation of 4.88. There was a significant and direct relationship between right ventricular wall thickness(RVT), left ventricular thickness(LVT) and Intra ventricular septum(IVS), as well as right ventricular fractional shortening (P 0.05).The thickness of the walls of the fetal heart in diabetic mothers is independent of changes in macrosomia and EFW, which can be indicative of increased metabolism and need for oxygenation in the fetus in these patients.

Fetal pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect: echocardiographic findings, associated anomalies and chromosomal characteristics

Objective To analyze the echocardiographic findings, associated anomalies and chromosomal characteristics in fetuses with pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect (PA/VSD). Methods The echocardiographic data and follow-up materials were retrospectively reviewed in 30 256 fetuses from December 2012 to March 2018 in the consultation center of fetal heart disease in maternal-fetal medicine in Anzhen hospital. Of all the fetuses, 59 cases (0.19%) had PA/VSD. The echocardiographic findings, associated anomalies and chromosomal characteristics were retrospectively analyzed in all the 59 fetuses with PA/VSD. Based on whether the presence of the native pulmonary arteries and the major aortopulmonary collateral arteries (MAPCAs) or not, the PA-VSD was classified into type A, type B, and type C. Results A large ventricular defect was demonstrated in five-chamber view with 61.7% of the mean ratio of the aortic overriding. Other fetal echocardiographic features of all the 59 fetuses with PA/VSD included: the right aortic arch (n=19), reversal flow in the ductus arteriosus (n=40), MAPCAs (n=24). The classification of the PA/VSD included: type A (n=35), type B (n=5) and type C (n=19). Associated anomalies: persistent left superior vena cava (n=13), anomalous pulmonary vein connection (n=5), complete atrioventricular septal defect (n=5); single umbilical artery (n=3), right atrial isomerism (n=3). Of all the 30 cases performed chromosomal test, 3 cases had aneuploidy and 7 cases had microdeletion of chromosome. Conclusions The fetal echocardiographic findings of the PA/VSD are characteristic. For prenatal diagnosis of PA/VSD, the type of PA/VSD should be defined and chromosomal test should be performed, which can be helpful for prenatal consulting. Key words: Echocardiography; Heart septal defect, ventricular; Pulmonary atresia; Prenatal diagnosis; Chromosomal aberrations

Prenatal Diagnosis of Ebstein's Anomaly: An Autopsy Correlation Predicting Poor Prognosis

Ebstein's anomaly (EA) is rare but not an uncommon congenital heart disease in the fetus. Fetal echocardiogram has progressed to detect many forms of congenital heart diseases, especially to assess the prognosis of EA based on their anatomy and presentation in utero causing nonimmune hydrops. Fetal echocardiographic findings of cardiomegaly, apical displacement of tricuspid valve with severe regurgitation, can confirm the diagnosis of EA in utero. Severe cardiomegaly and nonimmune hydrops further contribute poor prognosis leading to fetal demise. Identifying fetal risk factors for predicting perinatal mortality is important, including the lack of antegrade flow across the pulmonary valve and retrograde duct flow. Here, we describe fetal echocardiographic findings of a case of EA causing severe cardiomegaly, restricted growth of the lungs, and hydrops in a 26-year-old primigravida at 20 weeks of gestation. The diagnosis was further correlated with the autopsy, characterized by severe cardiomegaly, huge right atrium, apical displacement, and tethering of septal and posterior leaflet, with markedly reduced lung volumes. Autopsy findings of dilated ductus further suggestive of possible reversed ductal flow causing circular shunt in EA raising the possibility of the poor postnatal outcome, even intrauterine death, and warranted for safe termination. Poor prognostic factors in EA have also been discussed with autopsy findings.

Cardiothoracic Area Ratio Predicts Lethal Pulmonary Venous Obstruction in Patients with Single Ventricle and Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Connection.

Background and Objectives When single ventricle (SV) is complicated with total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC), the pulmonary vein obstruction (PVO) occurs at a high rate. There are some patients who died from the lethal PVO (l-PVO) which needed PVO release dead due to severe desaturation within 24 hours after birth. The purpose of this study was to find a predictive marker for l-PVO during the fetal period. Methods We enrolled 21 patients diagnosed with SV associated with TAPVC in the antenatal period. Ten patients had supracardiac, five had cardiac, five had infracardiac, and one had mixed TAPVC. We reviewed fetal echocardiography and measured cardiothoracic area ratio (CTAR) and total cardiac dimension (TCD). We divided 21 cases into l-PVO group (6) and non-l-PVO group (15) and compared the fetal echocardiography findings and postnatal prognoses between the groups. Results CTAR at the final fetal echocardiography was 16 to 29% (median: 21) in the l-PVO group and 22 to 38% (median: 28) in the non-l-PVO group ( p = 0.01). TCD/week at the final echocardiography was 0.67 to 1.0 (median: 0.77) in the l-PVO group and 0.78 to 1.2 (median: 0.96) in the non-l-PVO group ( p = 0.02). Conclusion Reduced CTAR in the antenatal period is a good predictor of l-PVO after birth.

Neonatal Outcomes in Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Return: The Role of Prenatal Diagnosis and Pulmonary Venous Obstruction.

The objective of this study is to evaluate neonatal outcomes of total anomalous pulmonary venous return (TAPVR) and identify fetal echocardiography findings associated with preoperative pulmonary venous obstruction (PPVO). This retrospective study evaluated TAPVR cases from 2005 to 2014 for preoperative and postoperative outcomes based on prenatal diagnosis, PPVO, and heterotaxy syndrome. Fetal pulmonary and vertical vein Dopplers were analyzed as predictors of PPVO. Of 137 TAPVR cases, 12% were prenatally diagnosed; 60% had PPVO, and 21% had heterotaxy. Of the prenatally diagnosed patients, 63% also had heterotaxy. TAPVR repair was performed in 135 cases and survival to discharge was 82% (112/137). Heterotaxy was the only independent predictor of mortality on multiple regression analysis [OR 5.5 (CI 1.3-16.7), p = 0.02]. PPVO was associated with preoperative acidosis, need for inhaled nitric oxide, and more emergent surgery, but not postoperative mortality. Fetal vertical vein Doppler peak velocity > 0.74m/s mmHg predicted PPVO (93% sensitivity; 83% specificity) while pulmonary vein Doppler did not. TAPVR has severe neonatal morbidity and mortality with low prenatal diagnosis rates in the absence of heterotaxy. Patients with obstructed TAPVR had greater preoperative morbidity, but only heterotaxy was independently associated with increased postoperative mortality. Vertical vein velocity helped prenatally identify those at risk of PPVO.

Predicting the Future: Delivery Room Planning of Congenital Heart Disease Diagnosed by Fetal Echocardiography.

Advances in prenatal imaging have improved the examination of the fetal cardiovascular system. Fetal echocardiography facilitates the prenatal diagnosis of congenital heart disease (CHD) and through sequential examination, allows assessment of fetal cardiac hemodynamics, predicting the evolution of anatomical and functional cardiovascular abnormalities in utero and during the transition to a postnatal circulation at delivery. This approach allows detailed diagnosis with prenatal counseling and enables planning to define perinatal management, selecting the fetuses at a risk of postnatal hemodynamic instability who are likely to require a specialized delivery plan. The prenatal diagnosis and management of critical neonatal CHD has been shown to play an important role in improving the outcome of newborns with these conditions, allowing timely stabilization of the circulation prior to cardiac intervention or surgery, thus reducing the risk of perioperative morbidity and mortality. Diagnostic protocols aimed at risk-stratifying severity and potential postnatal compromise in fetuses with CHD have been developed to identify those who may require special intervention at birth or within the first days of life. In addition, new methodologies are being studied to improve the accuracy of prediction of disease severity. Perinatal management of neonates with a prenatal diagnosis of CHD requires a close collaboration between obstetric, neonatal, and cardiology services. In this article, the management of fetuses with CHD will be discussed, along with summarizing the in utero and fetal echocardiographic findings used for risk stratification of newborns with CHD and reviewing the basic principles used for planning for neonatal resuscitation and initial transitional care of these complex newborns.

Fetal echocardiography for planning perinatal and delivery room care of neonates with congenital heart disease.

Fetal echocardiography facilitates the prenatal diagnosis of infants with congenital heart disease (CHD) and through sequential examinations, allows assessment of fetal hemodynamics and cardiovascular status from the time of diagnosis to delivery. Fetal cardiologists have created diagnostic protocols aimed at risk stratifying severity and potential postnatal compromise in fetuses with CHD, and identifying those who may require special intervention at birth or within the first days of life. In this article, we review fetal cardiovascular physiology, the progression of CHD in utero and fetal echocardiographic findings used for risk stratification of newborns with CHD, as well as some of the basic principles of planning for the neonatal resuscitation and initial transitional care of these complex newborns.

EP05.06: The analysis of misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis by fetal echocardiography combined with cardiovascular cast

We sought to compare the fetal echocardiographic findings in complex congenital heart disease (CHD) with cardiovascular cast of pathological specimens. A total of 21 fetuses with complex CHD were studied by fetal echocardiography (FE) in Beijing An Zhen Hospital/Beijing Heart and Lung Institute from May 2016 to August 2016. Diagnosis included: TOF (n=5), DORV (n=6), TGA(n=2), PA(n=4), CoA(n=3), double aortic arches(n=2), right-sided aortic arch(n=3), aberrant subclavian artery(n=1), TAPVC(n=1), PLSVC(n=4), AVSD(n=2), HRHS(n=1), dysphasia of tricuspid valve(n=1). After termination of pregnancy, cardiovascular casts were obtained as a gold standard and compared with FE. There was no significant difference in diagnosis of the complex CHD between FE and cardiovascular casts (FE diagnostic accuracy 21/21 = 100%). However, it was confirmed that there were 46 associated CHDs in this cohort. For the associated CHDs, there were 2 misdiagnoses (2/46, 4.35%, i.e. confirmed absent ductus arteriosus (n= 1) and hepatic venous anomaly (n=1 case)); whereas there were 9 missed diagnoses (9/46, 19.57%, i.e. abnormal ductus arteriosus course (n= 3), abnormal ductus arteriosus morphology (n=2) and abnormal return of the superior vena cava (n=2) and aberrant subclavian artery (n=2). FE provides highly accurate diagnosis of CHD, including complex CHD. Vascular abnormality is the one of the most easily missed diagnoses by FE.

Common Findings in Late-Gestation Fetal Echocardiography.

Fetal echocardiography provides detailed information about cardiac structure and function in utero. Limited information is available regarding normal findings late in pregnancy. We therefore sought to identify and describe common cardiac findings in late gestation. Fetuses with structurally normal hearts were identified in mid gestation within a subset of pregnant women in a prospective study. The atrioventricular valves, right and left atria, aortic isthmus and ductus arteriosus dimensions and flow abnormalities, aneurysm of the septum primum, and presence and grade of tricuspid regurgitation were assessed throughout pregnancy. Linear and logistic regression analyses were used to characterize changes in quantitative and qualitative fetal echocardiographic parameters by gestational age (GA). Forty fetuses between 24 and 38 weeks' GA were studied. Each had a fetal echocardiographic study completed before and after 34 weeks' gestation, which were compared. Tricuspid-to-mitral valve and right-to-left atrium ratios increased with GA (P < .001). More frequently noted after 34 weeks were tapering of the ductus arteriosus (2.5% versus 32%), prominent aortic isthmus diastolic flow (5% versus 67%), prominent ductus arteriosus diastolic flow (2.5% versus 25%), trivial or mild tricuspid regurgitation (35% versus 80%), and aneurysms of the septum primum (37.5% versus 80%). These findings all increased linearly with GA (P < .001). Atrioventricular valve and right/left atrium disproportion, mild ductus arteriosus tapering, prominent aortic isthmus and ductus arteriosus diastolic flow, trivial or mild tricuspid regurgitation, and aneurysms of the septum primum are frequently identified after 34 weeks' GA. Their identification suggests that these fetal echocardiographic findings in isolation are likely normal and are results of the physiologic alterations that occur late in the third trimester.

胎児心エコー所見をもとに早期娩出し救命できたハイリスク仙尾部奇形腫の胎児例

充実性の巨大な胎児仙尾部奇形腫は高心拍出性心不全を伴いやすく，胎児水腫に至ると致死率が上がる．急速に増大した仙尾部奇形腫を伴う胎児に対し，胎児心エコー所見に基づいて早期娩出を計画し，分娩直後に腫瘍摘出術を施行し，合併症なく救命できた胎児例を報告する．症例は妊娠19週の胎児．妊娠28週から30週にかけて腫瘍長径が11.2 cmから15.6 cmへと急速に増大した．胎児MRIでは腫瘍は充実性優位で骨盤腔内への進展のないタイプ（Altman I型）であった．30週の胎児心エコーでは胎児水腫はないが，両心拍出量は1,350 mL/kg/minと著明に増加していた．経時的に胎児心エコーを施行し，心拡大の進行，右室収縮能の低下，三尖弁閉鎖不全の出現，心拍出量の分布の変化を契機に32週3日に帝王切開と腫瘍摘出術を施行した結果，後遺症なく胎児を救命することができた．ハイリスクの胎児仙尾部奇形腫は治療介入のタイミングが胎児の予後を左右するため，胎児心エコーによる継時的な血行動態評価が不可欠と考えられた．