The role of fetal nuchal translucency and ductus venosus Doppler at 11-14 weeks of gestation in the detection of major congenital heart defects.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether, in a selected high-risk population, Doppler velocimetry of the ductus venosus can improve the predictive capacity of increased nuchal translucency in the detection of major congenital heart defects in chromosomally normal fetuses at 11-14 weeks of gestation. METHODS: Ductus venosus Doppler ultrasound blood velocity waveforms were obtained prospectively at 11-14 weeks of gestation in 1040 consecutive singleton pregnancies. Waveforms were classified either as normal in the presence of a positive A-wave, or as abnormal if the A-wave was absent or negative. All cases were screened for chromosomal defects by a combination of maternal age and fetal nuchal translucency thickness. In 484 cases karyotyping was performed. Those fetuses found to be chromosomally normal by prenatal cytogenetic analysis, and which had abnormally increased nuchal translucency and/or abnormal ductus venosus Doppler velocimetry, underwent fetal echocardiography at 14-16 weeks of gestation. Ultrasound examination was repeated at 22-24 weeks of gestation in all women. The sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictive values for the detection of major cardiac defects of increased nuchal translucency thickness alone, ductus venosus Doppler alone and increased nuchal translucency thickness in association with abnormal ductus venosus Doppler were determined. RESULTS: In 29 of 998 fetuses presumed to be chromosomally normal, reversed or absent flow during atrial contraction was associated with increased (> 95(th) centile for crown-rump length) nuchal translucency. Major cardiac defects were observed in 9 of these 29 fetuses. No other major cardiac abnormalities were found in chromosomally normal fetuses in spite of the presence of either increased nuchal translucency alone or abnormal ductus venosus velocimetry. A total of 25 cardiac malformations were observed in the population. Fifteen were associated with aneuploidy and 10 fetuses had a normal karyotype. Nine of the 10 had major cardiac anomalies and one had a ventricular septal defect. The nine cases with normal karyotype and major cardiac anomalies had both increased nuchal translucency and abnormal ductus venosus flow velocity waveforms. CONCLUSION: In chromosomally normal fetuses with increased nuchal translucency, assessment of ductus venosus blood flow velocimetry could improve the predictive capacity for an underlying major cardiac defect.     

四腔心切面联合三血管气管切面彩色多普勒超声在孕11~13+6周胎儿严重先天性心脏畸形筛查中的应用价值

目的探讨四腔心切面联合三血管气管切面彩色多普勒超声在孕11~13⁺⁶周胎儿严重先天性心脏畸形筛查中的应用价值。 方法选择2018年1月至12月在四川省妇幼保健院行孕期检查的9756例孕妇,分别于孕 11~13⁺⁶周及孕16~24周进行胎儿心脏超声检查。采用四腔心切面联合三血管气管切面彩色多普勒超声对孕11~13⁺⁶周胎儿筛查心脏畸形,采用标准化胎儿超声心动图筛查孕16~24周胎儿心脏畸形,并对分娩后所有新生儿及引产胎儿进行随访。 结果9756例胎儿孕11~13⁺⁶周超声筛查发现心脏畸形38例（51.4%,38/74）,其中非严重心脏畸形5例（14.2%,5/35）,严重心脏畸形33例（84.6%,33/39）。出生或引产后诊断先天性心脏畸形74例,其中严重先天性心脏畸形39例,非严重心脏畸形35例。 结论运用四腔心切面联合三血管气管切面彩色多普勒超声能筛查出大部分严重胎儿心脏畸形,可为临床咨询、预后提供及时有力的证据。     

Foramen ovale size in the normal and abnormal human fetal heart: an indicator of transatrial flow physiology.

We used fetal echocardiography to measure the sizes of the foramen ovale and atrial septum in 80 human fetuses from 17.5 to 38 weeks gestation. Forty-six fetuses had normal cardiac anatomy, 19 had left heart obstructive lesions, and 15 had right heart obstructive lesions. Pulsed and color flow Doppler studies were incorporated when available. We found that normal fetuses had a foramen ovale/atrial septum size ratio of 0.33 +/- 0.04 (mean +/- SD). In all (52%) fetuses in which it was available, pulsed Doppler study revealed bidirectional, but predominantly right-to-left, flow through the foramen ovale. Fetuses with left heart obstructive lesions had a foramen ovale/atrial septum size ratio smaller than normal (0.28 +/- 0.05; p < 0.001). Seven of nine fetuses with left heart obstructive lesions who had color Doppler studies demonstrated reversal of the normal flow pattern, exhibiting unidirectional left-to-right transforamenal flow. Those with right heart obstructive lesions had a larger than normal foramen ovale/atrial septum size ratio (0.47 +/- 0.04; p < 0.001). Nine fetuses with right heart obstructive lesions had color Doppler studies which demonstrated almost exclusive right-to-left transforamenal flow. We conclude that foramen ovale/atrial septum size ratio and Doppler interrogation of transatrial flow are helpful adjuncts in determining the presence of congenital heart disease in utero. In addition, early detection of abnormal foramen ovale/atrial septum size ratio may predict whether left or right ventricular development will be impaired throughout gestation, even before gross disparity of ventricular size is apparent.     

Three-dimensional (3D) and 4D color Doppler fetal echocardiography using spatio-temporal image correlation (STIC).

OBJECTIVE: Color Doppler echocardiography is used to visualize three transverse planes: the four-chamber, five-chamber, and three vessels and trachea views. Color Doppler spatio-temporal image correlation (STIC) is a new three-dimensional (3D) technique allowing the acquisition of a volume of data from the fetal heart that is displayed as a cineloop of a single cardiac cycle. The aim of the study was to examine the potential of color Doppler STIC to evaluate normal and abnormal fetal hearts. METHODS: This prospective study included 35 normal fetuses and 27 fetuses with congenital heart defects (CHD) examined between 18 and 35 weeks of gestation. Volume acquisition was achieved by initiating the image capture sequence from the transverse four-chamber view. Volumes were stored for later offline evaluation using a personal computer-based workstation in a multiplanar mode and as spatial volume rendering. RESULTS: Successful acquisition was possible in all 62 cases. The three planes could be demonstrated in 31/35 healthy fetuses and in 24/27 fetuses with CHD. Spatial volume rendering was attempted in 18 fetuses with CHD. In the four normal fetuses with inadequate visualization using color Doppler STIC, the region of interest was perpendicular to the ultrasound beam. In two fetuses with CHD inadequate visualization was related to an enlarged heart in late gestation, in which the entire cardiac volume could not be acquired. The third case was an 18-week fetus with complex CHD and transposed great vessels in which artifacts were related to confluent color signals as a result of low resolution in the reconstructed plane. CONCLUSIONS: STIC in combination with color Doppler ultrasound is a promising new tool for multiplanar and 3D/4D rendering of the fetal heart. Limitations may be found later in gestation in fetuses with large hearts and early in gestation as a result of low discrimination of signals. In addition, insonation perpendicular to the structure of interest does not image color Doppler signals and should be avoided during acquisition.     

Fetal heart rate and umbilical artery velocity variability in fetuses with congenital cardiac defects: a preliminary study.

OBJECTIVE: To examine whether variabilities in fetal heart rate and umbilical artery flow velocity are possible markers for hemodynamic dysfunction in fetuses with a congenital heart defect. METHODS: Doppler studies of the umbilical artery velocity waveform were performed at 20-35 weeks of gestation in 13 patients with a congenital heart defect. We determined absolute and variability values for heart rate and flow velocities from umbilical artery velocity waveforms of at least 18 s duration. We compared these findings with normal controls matched for gestational age. RESULTS: Fetuses with a congenital heart defect displayed decreased umbilical artery peak systolic and time-averaged velocities. However, variability in peak systolic and time-averaged velocities and fetal heart rate variability were increased compared with normal controls. Absolute fetal heart rates were similar between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Marked cardiovascular changes occur in the fetus with a congenital heart defect compared with the normal healthy fetus. We propose that variability in fetal heart rate and umbilical artery blood flow velocity could be additional markers for impaired homeostasis in the presence of fetal congenital heart disease.     

Fetal cardiac abnormalities identified prior to 14 weeks' gestation.

OBJECTIVE: An increasing number of patients are presenting at early gestational age as being at high risk for congenital heart disease, as a result of ultrasound screening by nuchal translucency. The feasibility and accuracy of fetal echocardiography was assessed in a series of pregnancies studied before 14 weeks' gestation. METHODS: Echocardiography was attempted in 478 fetuses of crown-rump length 40.0-85.0 mm (median, 60.3 mm) with increased nuchal translucency, suspected abnormalities on routine scan or a family history of heart defect. The findings were related to results of autopsy, karyotyping, later scans and postnatal follow-up. RESULTS: Satisfactory images were obtained transabdominally in 402/478 (84.1%) and transvaginally in a further 13 patients. Cardiac defects were confidently identified in 60 fetuses and abnormalities of uncertain significance (isolated ventricular or great artery disproportion, or tricuspid regurgitation) were observed in a further 49. Defects were suspected in an additional 20 fetuses, and 286 were passed as normal. The karyotype was subsequently demonstrated to be abnormal in 70/286 (24.5%) fetuses with normal echocardiograms, and in 94/129 (72.9%) with abnormal or suspicious cardiac findings. Validation of the scan findings was possible in 241 fetuses. Normal heart structure was confirmed in 204 fetuses, and previously unsuspected cardiac abnormalities revealed in nine. Heart defects were verified in 28 fetuses, but five of these had important additional findings. There were false positive findings in three fetuses. CONCLUSIONS: Fetal echocardiography is feasible prior to 14 weeks' gestation. Cardiac defects, when present, may be identified or suspected in the majority of cases. In the risk group studied, heart defects were frequently a manifestation of chromosomal abnormality.     

Normal cardiac flow velocities at 14-16 weeks of gestation measured by transvaginal ultrasound.

OBJECTIVE: Doppler ultrasound has been used to study the flow velocities through the valves and arteries of the fetal heart. Using transvaginal sonography, we sought to determine normal values for flow velocities through the fetal heart valves at 14-16 weeks of gestation. METHODS: Eighty-seven normal fetuses were examined. The flow velocity waveforms were visualized using Doppler ultrasound with the sample volume calipers placed just distally to the four fetal valves. Peak E- and A-wave velocities were recorded for the tricuspid and mitral valves and peak systolic flow velocities were recorded for the ascending aorta and pulmonary arteries. Linear regression for comparison of flow velocities with gestational age was performed. RESULTS: There was no significant correlation between any of the velocities and gestational age. CONCLUSIONS: Flow velocities through the fetal cardiac valves remain unchanged at 14-16 weeks of gestation as measured by transvaginal Doppler sonography.     

Fetal echocardiography: the identification of two of the pulmonary veins from the four-chamber view during the second trimester of pregnancy.

Identification of two of the pulmonary veins as they enter the left atrium is important to the diagnosis of the visceroatrial situs for fetuses with normal and abnormal echocardiographic findings. In this study, we investigated the ability to demonstrate these veins in 734 fetuses varying in gestational age from 13 to 21 weeks.Transvaginal and transabdominal B-mode ultrasound and color flow Doppler were used for the examination. With the use of the transvaginal route, the highest visualization rate, 85-95%, was achieved in fetuses of 14-15 weeks of gestation. With the use of the transabdominal route, the highest visualization rate, 95-97%, was achieved in fetuses of 20-21 weeks of gestation. This examination enabled the correct diagnosis to be made of complex cardiac anomaly.Visualization of the pulmonary veins with B-mode ultrasound aided by color flow Doppler can be accomplished in the majority of fetuses, while the four-chamber view is studied.     

Pregnancy after Fontan repair of tricuspid atresia.

We have described a patient who had a cyanotic congenital heart disease (type Ib tricuspid atresia), with initial palliation accomplished in childhood via a Glenn procedure. In 1985, she had a Fontan repair with the Bjork modification; 3 years later she achieved her first pregnancy at age 27. Maternal Doppler echocardiography in early pregnancy showed good flow through the constructed conduit, with normal left ventricular size and function. Fetal echocardiography at 22 weeks' gestation via two-dimensional, M-mode, pulsed Doppler, and color flow mapping revealed no evidence of fetal cardiac disease. At 25 weeks' gestation recalcitrant preterm labor developed, and the infant was delivered spontaneously. Labor, delivery, and puerperium were uncomplicated, and the newborn (though too premature to survive) was of appropriate weight for gestational age, without evidence of congenital heart disease or other anomalies. We believe this is the first report of pregnancy and spontaneous delivery in a patient who has had Fontan repair of a congenital heart defect.     

胎儿静脉导管及颈项透明层厚度的超声检测在先天性心脏畸形筛查中的价值

目的 探讨胎儿静脉导管多普勒血流频谱异常及颈项透明层（NT）增厚在早期胎儿先天性心脏畸形（CHD）筛查中的临床应用价值.方法 对3562例孕11~14周的孕妇行常规产前检查,进行胎儿静脉导管多普勒血流频谱和NT检测,对静脉导管血流频谱异常或NT增厚胎儿于孕18~20周行超声心动图检查以确诊或除外CHD,对静脉导管血流频谱和NT正常的胎儿于20~24周行胎儿常规系统筛查,对可疑胎儿心脏异常者再行胎儿超声心动图检查.所有活产儿于出生后1周内进行超声心动图检查,对引产胎儿进行尸检.结果 ①3562例胎儿中静脉导管多普勒血流频谱异常胎儿CHD的发生率明显高于静脉导管多普勒血流频谱正常的胎儿（P ＜ 0.01）,其敏感性、特异性及阳性预测值分别为55.22%、96.97%和25.87%;②NT增厚的胎儿CHD发生率明显高于NT正常胎儿（P ＜ 0.01）,其敏感性、特异性及阳性预测值分别为49.25%、98.03%及32.35%;③静脉导管多普勒血流频谱异常和NT增厚的胎儿CHD发生率明显高于静脉导管多普勒血流频谱及NT均正常的胎儿（P ＜ 0.01）,其敏感性、特异性及阳性预测值分别为43.28%、99.46%和60.42%.结论 胎儿静脉导管多普勒血流频谱异常和NT增厚可作为CHD的早期筛查指标.     

正常胎儿超声心动图研究

[目的]利用超声心动图研究正常胎儿在妊娠期间的心功能变化[方法]应用Acuson　128XP/10超声诊断系统测定120例正常胎儿(按孕周分为六个组:16-20周;20+1-24周;24+1-28周;28+1-32周;32+1-36周;36+1-40周)的各项心功能参数:主动脉、肺动脉的峰值血流速度(PFV),每搏输出量(SV),心输出量(CO),心室射血力(F),左、右心室的短轴缩短率(FS)和射血分数(EF)。[结果]①主、肺动脉PFV、SV、CO、F随孕周增加而增加,与孕周呈直线相关(P<0,05);②左、右室FS和EF不随孕周增加而增加,在整个妊娠期保持相对恒定(P>0.05);③主动脉PFV大于肺动脉(P<0.05);左心室SV、CO小于右心室(P<0.05);左心室F、FS、EF与右心室相似(P>0.05)。[结论]①正常胎儿具有相对健全的泵功能,且右心功能占优势。②超声心动图是检测胎儿心功能的一种可行和可靠的无创性研究手段。     

Totally anomalous pulmonary venous connection and complex congenital heart disease: prenatal echocardiographic diagnosis and prognosis.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the accuracy of prenatal cardiac diagnosis, prognosis, and outcome of totally anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC) and to determine echocardiographic clues in the prenatal diagnosis of isolated TAPVC or TAPVC in association with other complex congenital heart disease (CHD). METHODS: We reviewed our 13-year experience of prenatal diagnosis of TAPVC. Thirteen fetuses were identified with the diagnoses of TAPVC. We systematically analyzed the individual pulmonary veins by color and pulsed Doppler imaging, the presence of a pulmonary venous confluence, the pulsed and color Doppler evaluation of the vertical vein, and sites of connections. Prenatal diagnosis was confirmed by postnatal echocardiography, cardiac catheterization, surgery, or autopsy. RESULTS: The mean gestational age at diagnosis of TAPVC was 26.3 weeks (range, 20-33 weeks). There were 8 fetuses with TAPVC and right isomerism, 3 fetuses with other associated CHD, and 2 with isolated TAPVC. There were 7 fetuses with supracardiac TAPVC, 4 with infracardiac TAPVC, and 2 with mixed TAPVC. Pulmonary vein color and pulsed Doppler data were available in 10 of 13 fetuses. The pulmonary venous confluence was visualized in all fetuses except 1. The vertical vein was visualized in all fetuses. Five fetuses had suspected signs of obstruction. The diagnosis was confirmed postnatally or at autopsy in 12 cases. Eight patients underwent surgery; 6 died, and 2 were alive. Two patients had compassionate care and died; 3 pregnancies were terminated. CONCLUSIONS: It is possible to diagnose accurately complex CHD, including the pulmonary venous connections. When diagnosed prenatally, TAPVC carries a poor prognosis.     

多普勒超声检测胎儿心脏机械性PR间期的临床意义研究

目的应用多普勒超声技术测量胎儿心脏机械性PR间期并探讨其临床意义。方法选取经胎儿超声心动图检出的83例疾病组胎儿,分别为先天性心脏病及心律失常。正常对照组为100例中、晚孕胎儿。应用彩色多普勒引导脉冲多普勒取样容积记录左心室流入道及流出道血流频谱,测量从舒张期二尖瓣A峰起始至收缩期主动脉射血起始的心房到心室的传导时间(PR间期),并同时测量收缩期主动脉射血起始至二尖瓣A峰起始的时间(VA间期)。结果 83例疾病组胎儿中先天性心脏病69例,心律失常12例,双胎输血综合征1例(双胎儿)。其中54例多普勒超声测量PR间期延长(131～220ms),并检出自身免疫性抗体阳性和弱阳性5例。正常对照组100例的中、晚孕孕妇均无自身免疫系统疾病,并经超声排除胎儿先天性心脏病、心律失常及其他胎儿异常,多普勒超声测量PR间期值均≤130ms。两组PR间期、VA间期比较差异有统计学意义(P0.01)。结论本研究结果表明,除孕妇患自身免疫性疾病可引起胎儿传导系统受损外,胎儿患先天性心脏病、心律失常等疾病时,其窦房结、房室结传导功能的易损性明显高于正常胎儿。其影响因素与心脏解剖结构异常和传导系统发育不良的相关性有待进一步研究。     

Coronary artery blood flow velocities in various fetal conditions.

OBJECTIVE: To determine fetal coronary artery peak blood flow velocities in normal and high-risk pregnancies. METHODS: Coronary artery peak systolic and diastolic blood flow velocities were measured by pulsed-wave Doppler velocimetry after identification of the coronary arteries by color Doppler imaging. Peak blood velocities obtained from normal pregnancies were related to gestational age using linear regression analysis. Blood flow velocities in normal fetuses were compared to measurements obtained in various fetal conditions. RESULTS: In normal fetuses coronary artery blood flow was visualized at a median gestational age of 33 + 6 weeks; median systolic and diastolic peak blood flow velocities were 0.21 and 0.43 m/s, respectively, and showed no significant change with gestational age. In growth-restricted fetuses coronary artery blood flow was visualized significantly earlier in gestation (median 28 + 2 weeks); systolic and diastolic peak blood flow velocities were higher at 0.25 and 0.48 m/s, respectively (P < 0.05). The highest coronary blood flow velocities were observed with fetal anemia. Coronary artery blood flow was also measured in fetuses with ductus arteriosus constriction due to indomethacin. Velocities did not differ from normal fetuses. Both in fetal anemia and ductus arteriosus constriction coronary artery blood flow could no longer be visualized with resolution of the underlying condition. CONCLUSION: Examination of coronary artery blood flow dynamics in the human fetus demonstrates acute increases in diastolic velocities in severe anemia and ductus arteriosus constriction based on the severity of the condition. In fetuses with growth restriction increased coronary blood flow velocities can be appreciated throughout the cardiac cycle. Clinical correlation in the interpretation of coronary blood flow dynamics in the human fetus is essential.     

三维能量多普勒及彩色多普勒超声评估先天性心脏病胎儿脑血流灌注的研究

目的应用三维能量多普勒及彩色多普勒超声研究先天性心脏病胎儿脑血流灌注。 方法选取2017年1月至2018年8月在南京医科大学附属苏州医院进行二维彩色多普勒超声测量的156例孕妇（胎儿正常对照组105例,胎儿先天性心脏病组51例）,应用脉冲多普勒测量胎儿脐动脉搏动指数（PI）及大脑中动脉PI值,并计算大脑中动脉PI与脐动脉PI比值（CPR）。同时应用三维能量多普勒超声成像,通过虚拟器官计算机辅助分析技术勾勒并计算大脑中动脉近心端区域血流灌注参数：血管化指数（VI）、血流指数（FI）和血管化血流指数（VFI）,从而评估2组胎儿脑血流灌注情况。对脐动脉、大脑中动脉各组数据所测数据进行Z值校正,再采用方差分析比较组间差异,然后利用Bonferron法进行正常组与先天性心脏病[完全型大动脉转位（TGA）,左心发育不良综合征（HLHS）,左心梗阻性疾病（LSOL）,右心梗阻性疾病（RSOL）]各组的两两比较。 结果与正常对照组相比,HLHS和LSOL胎儿大脑中动脉PI（1.27±0.30 vs 1.30±0.30 vs 2.15±0.48）和CPR（1.26±0.29 vs 1.32±0.18 vs 1.92±0.58）均减少,大脑中动脉VI（71.71±19.57 vs 68.11±14.35 vs 42.19±16.29）、FI（88.71±12.53 vs 81.80±14.21 vs 50.15±17.76）和VFI（34.70±7.17 vs 35.98±6.52 vs 20.90±11.06）均增加,差异均具有统计学意义（P均<0.001）,RSOL、TGA胎儿与正常胎儿之间大脑中动脉VI、FI和VFI比较,差异均无统计学意义（P>0.05）。 结论先天性心脏病胎儿脑血流灌注明显增加,特别是HLHS和LSOL胎儿,产前应用三维能量多普勒及彩色多普勒能有效评估此类先天性心脏病胎儿脑血流灌注。     

Ductus venosus Doppler study in fetuses with homozygous alpha-thalassemia-1 at 12 to 13 weeks of gestation.

OBJECTIVE: Fetuses affected by homozygous alpha-thalassemia-1 are anemic from the first trimester of pregnancy. We investigated ductus venosus Doppler velocimetry in these affected fetuses at 12-13 weeks of gestation. DESIGN: Prospective observational study. SUBJECTS: Women referred for the prenatal diagnosis of homozygous alpha-thalassemia-1 before 14 weeks of gestation. METHODS: All fetuses underwent pulsed Doppler investigations following color flow mapping at 12 or 13 weeks of gestation. Homozygous alpha-thalassemia-1 was diagnosed by DNA or hemoglobin study. The ductus venosus Doppler indices--Vmax (peak velocity during ventricular systole), Vmin (minimum forward velocity during atrial systole), TAMX (time-averaged maximum velocity), PIV (pulsatility index for veins, Vmax-Vmin/TAMX), PLI (preload index, Vmax-Vmin/Vmax) and Vmax/Vmin ratio--were compared between the affected fetuses and fetuses unaffected by homozygous alpha-thalassemia-1. RESULTS: Between June 1998 and October 1999, 102 eligible women were recruited. Fetal ductus venosus Doppler study was successful in 96 pregnancies (94%). Of these, 20 fetuses were affected by homozygous alpha-thalassemia-1. None of them showed hydropic changes at the time of Doppler study. The affected fetuses had significantly higher ducts venosus Vmax (30% increase), Vmin (50% increase) and TAMX (20% increase) and significantly lower Vmax/Vmin ratio, PIV and PLI values. CONCLUSION: Fetuses affected by homozygous alpha-thalassemia-1 at 12-13 weeks had increased forward flow velocities in the ductus venosus throughout the cardiac cycle. The increase of venous return is consistent with our previous report of cardiac dilatation and an increase of cardiac output in the affected fetuses at this stage as a compensatory mechanism for anemia and hypoxia. However, extensive overlap of the ductus venosus Doppler indices between affected and unaffected fetuses precludes its use in predicting anemia at 12-13 weeks.     

Correlation between fetal cardiac diagnosis by obstetric and pediatric cardiologist sonographers and comparison with postnatal findings.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the level of agreement between obstetric and pediatric cardiologist sonographers' diagnosis of fetuses with suspected congenital heart disease and to compare this with the final postnatal diagnosis. DESIGN: We retrospectively reviewed the notes of 1037 patients undergoing fetal echocardiography over a 5-year period (1995-99) at the principal tertiary referral center for fetal cardiology in New South Wales, Australia. The median gestational age at presentation was 21 weeks (range 17-38) with 49% of the scans performed at < 21 weeks and a further 17% performed at 21-24 weeks. The accuracy of the fetal cardiac diagnosis was validated by neonatal cardiac investigation or autopsy. RESULTS: A total of 249 cases of congenital heart disease were identified antenatally during this 5-year period with the majority (84%) referred because of suspicion of a cardiac malformation during an obstetric scan. Of the 268 fetuses with congenital heart disease suspected by obstetric sonographers, 209 had confirmed cardiac defects. Complete correlation between obstetric sonographers' and pediatric cardiologists' prenatal cardiac findings was achieved in 62% of cases. There were major differences involving the atrioventricular morphology in 18% of cases and the outflow tract anatomy in 20%. Complete agreement between prenatal and postnatal diagnosis in fetuses with complex congenital heart disease was achieved in 59% of cases for obstetric sonography (17% false positive; 41% false negative) and 95% for fetal echocardiography by pediatric cardiologists (2% false positive; 5% false negative). CONCLUSIONS: Improved accuracy in diagnosis can be achieved through a pediatric cardiologist with special skills in fetal echocardiography working collaboratively with obstetric sonographers to optimize the details of diagnosis. This may influence management and counseling.     

Fetal tissue Doppler echocardiography: detection rates of cardiac structures and quantitative assessment of the fetal heart.

OBJECTIVES: Tissue Doppler echocardiography (TDE) has been developed in adult cardiology, but only recently has it been applied to fetal heart studies. We implemented TDE on a high-resolution ultrasound system used for prenatal scanning by changing the Doppler settings, but without specific TDE equipment, to study cardiac tissue motion of normal fetuses in the second and third trimesters. METHODS: Using color Doppler settings optimized for low velocity motion assessment, detection rates of cardiac structures were measured in 47 fetuses. With pulsed Doppler, axial diastolic and systolic cardiac wall velocities were recorded in another 30 fetuses. RESULTS: In all fetuses TDE could detect cardiac wall motion. The right ventricular wall and the level of the atrioventricular valves were most easily seen. Axial contraction velocities of the fetal heart increased with gestational age. CONCLUSIONS: TDE can be used to study normal fetal cardiac function throughout gestation. A regular ultrasound system without additional hardware or software is suitable for screening studies using TDE.     

Cardiac defects in chromosomally normal fetuses with abnormal ductus venosus blood flow at 10-14 weeks.

OBJECTIVE: To assess a possible relationship between ductus venosus blood flow abnormalities and cardiac defects in chromosomally normal fetuses with increased nuchal translucency thickness at 10-14 weeks of gestation. METHODS: Ductus venosus Doppler ultrasound blood flow velocity waveforms were obtained at 10-14 weeks' gestation immediately before fetal karyotyping in 200 consecutive singleton pregnancies with increased nuchal translucency. Fetal echocardiography was subsequently carried out in those with normal fetal karyotype. RESULTS: Reverse or absent flow during atrial contraction was observed in 11 of the 142 chromosomally normal fetuses with increased nuchal translucency. Major defects of the heart and/or great arteries were present in seven of the 11 with abnormal ductal flow and increased nuchal translucency, but in none of the 131 with normal flow. CONCLUSION: These preliminary results suggest that abnormal ductus venosus blood flow in chromosomally normal fetuses with increased nuchal translucency identifies those with an underlying major cardiac defect.     

多普勒超声心动图对胎儿心功能的研究

我们利用多普勒超声心动图记录76例孕龄从21周到42周的正常胎儿心脏各瓣膜血流频谱,测量 1.最大血流速度;2.血流频谱积分;3.主动脉、肺动脉血流的加速时间、射血时间;4.二尖瓣、三尖瓣血流的E峰、A峰;计算通过各瓣口的每搏量、心排量。结果显示了多普勒超声心动图研究胎儿心功能的可行性,并进一步证实胎儿循环右心占优势,胎儿循环处于高阻力状态及胎儿心室肌舒张功能减低。