A Review of Findings in Fetal Cardiac Section Drawings

Abstract

Objectives. The goal of this presentation is to review some of the common and rare fetal heart abnormalities and to provide an easy approach to these findings with schematic drawings. Methods. Over the past 10 years, we collected cases in which the common views of the heart were abnormal and the differential diagnoses that existed for each. The presentation shows the normal sonographic sections and then variations of these sections and the associated anomalies. We used illustrative drawings to present these findings, enabling us to point out the main sonographic features of abnormalities of the heart. Results. The work reviews 17 fetal heart abnormalities in schematic drawings. Conclusions. This short review highlights several of the anomalies that can be recognized on the common sonographic views. The drawings tend to simplify the findings but serve as a basis for those doing fetal echocardiography when they encounter an unusual finding.

Identification of fetal cardiac anatomy and hemodynamics: a novel enhanced screening protocol

“…In our proposed new protocol (Protocol B), we solved this problem by introducing into our training program many ultrasonic characters that reflect special cardiac anomalies according to the pathologic anatomy. In fact, Jeanty et al published a series of reviews [ 18 – 21 ] in which they summarized many of these useful ultrasonic characters for fetal CHDs, and some of these were referenced in our training program in Protocol B (mentioned in the Methods Section). The method proved its value in that the screening sonographers underwent relevant training and could then detect more CHDs than with other techniques.…”

“…In fact, color Doppler aids in the detection of flow disturbance, including stenosis and regurgitation, which may not be obvious from interrogation via 2D imaging alone. Furthermore, color Doppler discloses the flow direction in vessels, which is very useful in the detection of cardiac anomalies by assessing cardiac hemodynamics, and Jeanty et al [ 18 – 21 ] reported their experiences in their publications. In our study, we proved this technique’s value in the case of pulmonary atresia in detecting retrograde flow in MPA and DA.…”

“…Understanding the anatomy and pathophysiologic changes in various CHDs was also encouraged. This protocol also allowed recognition of specific ultrasonic signs of certain cardiac anomalies from various visual perspectives (Table 2 ); some of these reference Jeanty et al [ 18 – 21 ].…”