The Fetal 3‐Vessel Views: An Illustrative Case‐Based Tutorial

In 2018, the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine revised its obstetric Practice Parameter for the second‐trimester fetal anatomic survey. The 2018 Practice Parameter recommends incorporation of the 3‐vessel view and 3‐vessel and trachea view “if technically feasible.” Sonographers and other medical providers may require additional training and education to develop greater proficiency in obtaining and interpreting these views. This pictorial essay, including ultrasound images alongside their respective schematic diagrams, provides an up‐to‐date, practical, and clinically oriented review of the 3‐vessel view and 3‐vessel and trachea view and their most common presentations in the context of congenital heart disease.     

Role of the 3‐Vessel and Trachea View in Antenatal Detection of Tetralogy of Fallot

Prenatal diagnosis of tetralogy of Fallot remains less frequent compared to other major congenital heart defects. In this study, we examined how often the 3‐vessel and trachea view was abnormal in a large series of prenatally diagnosed cases of tetralogy of Fallot. In addition, we compared its sensitivity to that of the traditional outflow tract views for detection of tetralogy of Fallot. We found that both views were abnormal in all fetuses with tetralogy of Fallot, showing reversed aortic‐to‐pulmonary valve and aortic arch isthmus‐to‐ductus arteriosus ratios in the outflow tract and 3‐vessel and trachea views, respectively. However, as a single measured marker, the enlarged aortic arch isthmus on the 3‐vessel and trachea view appears to be the most sensitive for tetralogy of Fallot.     

Application of the 3‐Vessel View in Routine Prenatal Sonographic Screening for Congenital Heart Disease

Objectives. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of prenatal screening for congenital heart disease (CHD) based on a combination of the 4‐chamber view and 3‐vessel view in an unselected population. Methods. A prospective study on 8025 scanned fetuses was performed. All singleton pregnancies scheduled for routine prenatal sonographic screening at 20 to 24 weeks' gestation and subsequently delivered in our unit were included. Data were recorded regarding visualization of the 4‐chamber view, outflow tracts, and 3‐vessel view. Suspected CHD was confirmed by postmortem or postnatal echocardiography. We obtained follow‐up data for the neonates and calculated the diagnostic accuracy of the examinations. Results. Major CHD was identified in 32 cases (4.0%), of which 26 (81.3%) were diagnosed antenatally and 6 (18.7%) postnatally. Four cases (0.5%) had false‐positive findings. Twenty‐one cases were identified by the 4‐chamber view and 5 by an abnormal 3‐vessel view. The sensitivity of the 4‐chamber view alone was 65.6%, and the specificity was 99.9%. The sensitivity of the combination of the 4‐chamber view and 3‐vessel view was 81.3%, and the specificity was 99.9%. Conclusions. The 3‐vessel view is a reliable and easy method to be used in a routine antenatal clinic along with the 4‐chamber view.     

Fetal Aortic Arch Anomalies

Aortic arch anomalies are present in 1% to 2% of the general population and are commonly associated with congenital heart disease, chromosomal defects, and tracheaesophageal compression in postnatal life. The sonographically based detection of aortic arch anomalies lies in the 3‐vessel and trachea view. Although highly sensitive, this view alone does not allow identification of the aortic arch branching pattern, which prevents an accurate diagnosis. The systematic addition of a subclavian artery view as part of a standardized procedure may be useful in the differential diagnosis of these conditions. We describe the sonographic assessment of fetal aortic arch anomalies by combining 2 fetal transverse views: the 3‐vessel and trachea view and the subclavian artery view, which are included in the cardiovascular system sonographic evaluation protocol. We also review the sonographic findings and the clinical implications of fetal aortic arch anomalies.     

Use of the 3‐Vessel View to Record Doppler Velocity Waveforms From the Aortic Isthmus in Normally Grown and Growth‐Restricted Fetuses

Objective. Aortic isthmus (AoI) velocity waveforms are considered powerful indicators of hemodynamic deterioration in intrauterine growth‐restricted (IUGR) fetuses. However, technical difficulties in sampling AoI velocity waveforms from the longitudinal aortic arch (LAA) have limited its clinical application thus far. In this study, we tested the possibility of recording AoI velocity waveforms from the 3‐vessel (3V) view of the fetal mediastinum and comparing the agreement of these measurements with recordings from the LAA. Methods. Doppler measurements of the pulsatility index (PI) from the AoI were performed in 70 fetuses (20 IUGR and 50 normally grown) between 20 and 34 weeks' gestation. All measurements were sampled in both the LAA and 3V views by the same investigator. Reliability was evaluated with intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), and Bland‐Altman plots were generated. The time required to complete the measurements was compared. Results. A high degree of reliability was observed between PI values obtained from LAA and 3V views in both IUGR and normally grown fetuses (all fetuses: ICC, 0.976; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.961–0.985; normally grown: ICC, 0.839; 95% CI, 0.731–0.906; IUGR: ICC, 0.954; 95% CI, 0.886–0.982). However, recordings from the 3V view were significantly less time‐consuming than those from the LLA view (mean ± SD, 30.4 ± 14.2 versus 52.8 ± 29.4 seconds; P < .0001) and showed higher intraobserver reproducibility. Conclusions. In IUGR and normally grown fetuses, AoI waveforms can be reliably obtained from the 3V view with higher reproducibility and a shorter recording time.     

Quality of 2‐ and 3‐Dimensional Fast Acquisition Fetal Cardiac Imaging at 18 to 22 Weeks

Objective. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the frequency with which 6 different fetal cardiac views taken during a fetal ultrasound examination at 18 to 22 weeks' gestation can be obtained satisfactorily for cardiac anomaly screening using either a 2‐dimensional (2D) static or 3‐dimensional (3D) fast acquisition technique. Methods. A prospective study of 100 low‐risk women undergoing an anatomic survey was performed. Standard static 2D and 3D fast acquisition volumes were obtained on all patients. The 2D and 3D images were assigned, in a random order, to be independently graded by 3 reviewers. The degree of inter‐reviewer agreement was assessed through the use of the Cohen κ statistic. The factors contributing to satisfactory imaging were evaluated by random effects logistic regression. Results. A significant proportion of both 2D and 3D images were judged unsatisfactory for screening purposes. However, 2D images were significantly more likely, for all cardiac views, to be judged satisfactory (P < .05). The odds ratios for the 2D technique's being more likely than the 3D technique to provide images satisfactory for screening were 2.6 for the 4‐chamber view, 2.4 for the right ventricular outflow tract, 4 for the left ventricular outflow tract, 3.2 for the 3‐vessel view, 8.6 for the aortic arch, and 2.2 for the ductal arch. Conclusions. In this prospective study, static 2D imaging was significantly more likely than fast acquisition 2D imaging to yield cardiac views of high enough quality to satisfactorily screen for anomalies.     

Aorta Larger Than Pulmonary Artery in the Fetal 3‐Vessel View

Objective. Fetal great artery asymmetry may accompany congenital heart disease. The fetal echocardiographic 3‐vessel view (3VV) allows assessment of the superior vena cava, ascending aorta (AA), and main pulmonary artery (MPA). Our aim was to determine the association of congenital heart disease in fetuses with an AA/MPA ratio of greater than 1. Methods. We electronically searched our fetal echocardiographic database for studies performed between March 2002 and January 2008 that showed 3VVs with AA/MPA ratios of greater than 1 and correlated the findings with the presence of congenital heart disease. Results. In 2797 fetal echocardiograms, we identified 31 fetuses with normal 4‐chamber views showing AA/MPA ratios of greater than 1 in the 3VV. Of 31 fetuses, 25 (81%) had tetralogy of Fallot (ToF) or a ToF variant, and 6 (19%) had an aortic valve abnormality or isolated dilatation of the AA. Conclusions. Screening obstetric fetal sonography showing a 3VV AA/MPA ratio of greater than 1 suggests congenital heart disease and indicates the need for comprehensive fetal echocardiography.     

Is the “I‐Sign” in the 3‐Vessel and Trachea View a Valid Tool for Prenatal Diagnosis of d‐Transposition of the Great Arteries?

Prenatal diagnosis of d ‐transposition of the great arteries remains less frequent compared to other major congenital heart defects. In this study, we examined how often the 3‐vessel and trachea view was abnormal in a large series of prenatally diagnosed cases of d ‐transposition of the great arteries. We found that an abnormal 3‐vessel and trachea view in the shape of an “I” (“I‐sign”), which represents an anteriorly displaced aorta, was present in all fetuses with d ‐transposition of the great arteries when a 3‐vessel and trachea view was successfully obtained. Therefore we believe that the 3‐vessel and trachea view can be used to reliably detect d ‐transposition of the great arteries during prenatal sonography.     

先天性心脏大动脉畸形的产前超声诊断线索

目的探讨先天性心脏大动脉畸形的产前超声诊断线索、检测技巧及临床意义,提高此类畸形的产前检出率。方法对16200例受检胎儿均采取胎儿心脏四腔心切面加胎儿头侧偏转法快速筛查胎儿心脏畸形,对疑有胎儿心脏畸形者获取左右心室流出道及主、肺动脉长轴切面、主动脉弓切面、大动脉短轴切面、动脉导管弓切面、三血管平面、三血管气管平面观察大动脉的排列关系、内径、血管数目、内部血流的彩色多普勒及频谱多普勒情况。结果产前共诊断累及大动脉的各种胎儿先天性心脏畸形94例,包括大动脉的内径异常55例,血管排列关系异常25例,血管数目异常19例,大动脉相对气管位置关系异常2例,血流方向及性质异常53例。结论大动脉起始部的平行排列,内径异常,数目异常及相对气管的位置关系异常,内部血流异常均是胎儿先天性大动脉畸形的产前超声诊断线索和依据。     

三血管观在胎儿复杂心脏病超声诊断中的应用

方法回顾性总结89例胎儿先天性心脏病和80例正常胎儿的三血管观,分析各种胎儿心脏病三血管观的异常变化。结果正常胎儿三血管观显示率为97.5%,心脏病胎儿显示率为91.0%;正常三血管观图像表现为从左至右依次为肺动脉、主动脉和上腔静脉,内径依次递减;89例胎儿先天性心脏病中47例显示三血管观异常,分为4种类型:(1)血管内径异常(19例);(2)血管前后方位排列异常(6例);(3)血管左右方位排列异常(10例);(4)血管数量异常(12例)。结论三血管观检查方法简便可靠,可以提高胎儿心脏病的检出率和准确性。     

产前超声检查对胎儿心脏大动脉畸形的诊断价值

目的 探讨胎儿心脏大动脉畸形产前超声诊断的操作技巧,提高产前超声诊断符合率.方法 回顾分析我院诊断并经产后证实的20例心脏大动脉畸形胎儿的超声图像,总结不同类型大动脉畸形的声像图特征.结果 20例心脏大动脉畸形胎儿均经产后新生儿超声心动图检查或引产后尸体解剖证实,大动脉畸形在三血管气管(3VT)切面上均呈阳性特征,分别表现为大动脉内径异常10例,包括肺动脉狭窄7例,主动脉狭窄1例,主动脉弓离断1例及主动脉弓缩窄1例;永存动脉干4例;大动脉交叉关系消失5例,包括右室双出口3例,大动脉转位2例;右位主动脉弓1例.17例胎儿合并心内其他结构异常.结论 3VT切面是诊断胎儿心脏大动脉异常敏感且有效的切面,其他切面可作为诊断和鉴别诊断的辅助切面.     

Interobserver Reproducibility of Transabdominal 3‐Dimensional Sonography of the Fetal Brain

Objective. The purpose of this study was to assess the interobserver reproducibility of transabdominal 3‐dimensional (3D) fetal neurosonography. Methods. This was a prospective observational study. We studied 23 consecutive singleton pregnancies between 18 and 23 weeks' gestation. All cases had normal fetal neurosonographic examination findings, which were confirmed after birth. A 3D sonographic volume of the fetal head was acquired transabdominally by a single operator using an axial approach. Fetal brain anatomy was later analyzed offline by 2 different operators. Axial, sagittal, and coronal views of the fetal brain were obtained to perform a detailed evaluation of the fetal brain. Each operator defined the scanning planes obtained as adequate or inadequate. Results were evaluated with 2 × 2 tables and the Cohen κ coefficient to assess interobserver agreement. Results. Good‐quality multiplanar images were obtained in 23 of 23 cases. The rate of adequate visualization was 100% for all of the axial planes, with κ values of 1.00. For sagittal and coronal planes, the rate of visualization ranged between 78% and 91%, with κ values ranging between 0.61 and 0.83. Conclusions. Transabdominal 3D sonography of the fetal brain at 18 to 23 weeks' gestation has an acceptable degree of interobserver reproducibility.     

系统胎儿超声筛查胎儿心脏异常的价值

目的探讨系统胎儿超声在产前筛查胎儿心脏异常中的作用。方法对4501例孕妇进行系统胎儿超声检查,胎儿心脏采用四腔心切面（4C）、左室流出道切面（LVOT）、右室流出道切面（RVOT）、三血管气管切面（3VT）进行初步筛查,疑有心脏异常者则行详细超声心动图检查,复杂心脏异常者建议到省级产前诊断中心复查。所有疑有先天性心脏病的胎儿均经产后或引产后尸体解剖证实。结果在4501例受检胎儿中,实际发生胎儿心脏异常40例,产前检出37例,检出率92．5％;漏诊3例,漏诊率7．5％。结论系统胎儿超声筛查胎儿心脏异常具有较高的准确性,快速、简便,适用于在普通孕妇进行胎儿心脏异常的筛查。     

胎儿先天性矫正型大动脉转位的产前超声心动图诊断

目的探讨并总结胎儿先天性矫正型大动脉转位（cc-TGA）产前超声心动图图像特征。 方法回顾分析2011年1月至2017年12月黑龙江省哈尔滨市红十字中心医院行产前超声心动图诊断,并经引产后病理解剖或产后小儿超声心动图确诊的5例cc-TGA胎儿超声心动图影像,总结其超声心动图特征、诊断及鉴别诊断方法。 结果5例cc-TGA胎儿中,4例引产后病理解剖证实为cc-TGA SLL型;1例活产后经小儿超声心动图证实为cc-TGA IDD型,小儿产后90 d状态良好。5例cc-TGA胎儿中2例行胎儿染色体检查,染色体核型正常。5例cc-TGA胎儿产前超声心动图四腔心切面与上腹部横切面联合应用、左右心室流出道切面、主动脉弓与动脉导管弓切面、三血管切面、三血管气管切面具有特征性表现。产前超声心动图显示5例cc-TGA胎儿合并多种心内外畸形：4例SLL型胎儿中3例合并室间隔缺损,2例合并肺动脉闭锁,1例合并肺动脉狭窄,2例合并永存左上腔,2例合并房室瓣返流,1例合并心内膜垫缺损;1例SLL型胎儿合并心外多发畸形,包括双侧脑积水、脊柱裂、双侧足内翻;1例IDD型胎儿合并心内多发畸形,包括室间隔缺损、肺动脉轻度狭窄、右位主动脉弓,合并心外畸形有腹腔脏器镜像反位。 结论掌握cc-TGA各切面超声心动图特征可以有效发现、诊断本病。胎儿cc-TGA预后差异很大,取决于相关缺陷的严重程度。     

The three vessels and trachea view (3VT) in fetal cardiac scanning.

OBJECTIVE: Comprehensive evaluation of the fetal heart has become a major part of targeted organ scanning to rule out fetal malformations. Evaluation of the mediastinal major vessels seems to be the most difficult and time-consuming part of fetal heart examination. Our aim was to define and evaluate the three vessels and trachea (3VT) view, a novel and simple method to examine the great vessels in the mediastinum, and its applicability in the clinical practice of fetal echocardiography, while establishing nomograms for cardiac vessel measurements obtained in this view. METHODS: The three vessels and trachea view was examined in 379 low-risk gravidae between 14+0 and 23+6 weeks' gestation. Six parameters in this plane were measured to establish nomograms. In another group of 984 mixed high- and low-risk patients we compared the time required to identify the aortic arch using the 3VT view as compared to the long-axis view. RESULTS: The 3VT view was readily and satisfactorily demonstrated in all but two of the 1363 cases examined. In 17 cases (out of a total of 982) more than 10 min were required to identify the aortic arch using the 3VT view and in 71 patients when employing the long-axis view (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The clinical applicability of the 3VT view to evaluate the anatomy of the major vessels in the mediastinum is demonstrated. Although a wide variation in the six parameters of the 3VT view used here precludes their use in diagnosing great vessel anomalies, some of the ratios between them have promising potential in the evaluation of great vessel malformations. Further, the 3VT view seems to be more efficient in identifying the aortic arch than does the long-axis view.     

超声心动图在早孕期超声软指标阳性胎儿中的应用

目的探讨早孕期（11~13^＋6周）胎儿超声心动图在超声软指标阳性胎儿中诊断先天性心脏病的应用价值。 方法对133例超声软指标阳性的胎儿行早孕期胎儿超声心动图检查,重点观察心脏四腔观及三血管气管观,并尽可能获取更多其他的胎儿心脏超声切面。对怀疑心脏异常者于2~4周后复查胎儿超声心动图,确诊后引产的胎儿行病理检查;余胎儿分别于中孕期和新生儿期复查心脏超声。 结果早孕期胎儿超声心动图四腔观显示率为78%（104/133,78%）,三血管气管观显示率为77%（103/133,77%）,共提示10例先天性心脏病,失访1例,余9例均引产经病理证实为复杂先天性心脏病,其中正确诊断7例,误诊2例,另于随访中发现漏诊2例。早孕期胎儿超声心动图对诊断复杂先天性心脏病的准确率为63.6%（7/11,63.6%）。 结论早孕期超声心动图能对一部分复杂先天性心脏病作出提示性诊断,为临床决策提供重要信息。     

实时三维超声心动图联合三血管气管切面对胎儿先天性心血管畸形的特异性研究

目的 探讨实时三维超声心动图（RT-3DE）联合三血管气管切面（3VT）诊断胎儿先天性心血管畸形的特异性研究.方法 对1000例高危孕妇行常规胎儿心动图的RT-3DE联合3VT切面检查,重点观察心脏大血管的形态、结构、连接关系,以及血流动力学情况.结果 胎儿RT-3DE联合3VT切面诊断胎儿先天性心血管畸形发病率2.8%（28/1000）、特异性93%、敏感性91%、阴性预测值94%、阳性预测值92%,与二维超声相比,RT-3DE联合3VT切面的超声解剖更具有特征性.结论 RT-3DE联合3VT切面对诊断胎儿先天性心血管畸形特异性高,可作为孕妇的常规检查.     

超声诊断胎儿单脐动脉合并心血管畸形的价值

目的 探讨超声诊断胎儿单脐动脉合并心血管畸形的价值.方法 35例单脐动脉胎儿行超声心动图检查,于胎儿腹部横切面、胸腔横切面、四腔心切面、左室流出道切面、右室流出道切面、主动脉弓及动脉导管弓切面、三血管(气管)切面及静脉切面全面探查胎儿心脏结构.结果 单纯性单脐动脉即心脏结构完全正常28例;合并胎儿心脏结构异常7例,其中有明显血流动力学意义的严重畸形4例;无明显血流动力学意义的轻度异常3例.结论 产前诊断为单脐动脉的胎儿应进行胎儿心脏超声检查,做出明确诊断.     

超声三血管气管切面在胎儿心脏畸形筛查中的临床价值

目的探讨三血管气管切面在胎儿心脏畸形筛查中的临床价值。方法超声心动图筛查45632例孕18～32周胎儿畸形,分析胎儿三血管气管切面声像图特征,将其与产后超声心动网或尸检结果比较,结果三血管气管切面中．血管位置异常9例,管径大小异常25例,血管数量异常47例,气管位置异常1例,合并心外畸形29例。其中,超声心动图对血管数量异常的诊断敏感性最高（90．4％）,血管位置异常的敏感性次之,为90％,管径大小异常的敏感性较低（65．8％）。超声对以上三种情况的诊断特异性均高（99．9％）。结论三血管气管切面在胎儿心脏畸形筛查中诊断敏感性及特异性较高,在胎儿心脏畸形筛查中具有重要意义。     

胎儿心脏三血管气管平面在先天性心脏病筛查中的价值

目的 探讨胎儿三血管气管平面的声像图特点及其筛查胎儿先天性心脏病的价值。方法 回顾性分析2003年4月至2005年4月1212例接受产前胎儿心脏超声筛查孕妇资料，取胎儿心脏检查的常规6个标准切面，然后在四腔心切面的基础上缓慢平行向胎儿头侧移动探头即可显示上纵隔横切面，即三血管气管平面，再叠加彩色多普勒血流显像，观察各房室及大动脉血流分布和血流方向。结果 1212例胎儿超声心动图检出胎儿心脏结构异常47例，22例合并心外畸形。33例在本院引产，20例尸检，其中18例尸检与产前超声诊断相符，1例单心房单心室并大动脉位置正常误诊为单心房单心室并大动脉转位，1例单心房单心室并永存动脉干误诊为完全性心内膜垫缺损并永存动脉干。15例胎儿抽脐带血检查染色体，3例染色体异常。结论 三血管气管平面在筛查胎儿大动脉和心室流出道异常的先天性心脏病中有重要作用。