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

Abstract

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 upto-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.

ISUOG Practice Guidelines (updated): performance of the routine mid‐trimester fetal ultrasound scan

“…Routine assessment of the cardiac outflow tracts in addition to the four-chamber view increases the screening performance for identifying conotruncal anomalies, such as tetralogy of Fallot, transposition of the great arteries, double-outlet right ventricle and truncus arteriosus communis. The three-vessel view and closely related three-vessels-and-trachea view may improve detection of outflow tract, aortic arch and systemic vein anomalies (Figure 4d,e) [73][74][75][76][77] . For a more detailed description of fetal cardiac screening, please refer to the ISUOG Guidelines for the fetal cardiac examination 71 .…”

ISUOG Practice Guidelines (updated): fetal cardiac screening

“…Более краниально расположенный и косой срез на уровне трех сосудов и трахеи позволяет произвести более детальную оценку положения дуги аорты и артериального протока, а также их взаимоотношение с трахеей [55]. Этот срез особенно полезен для диагностики аномалий дуги аорты, таких как коарк тация аорты, сосудистые кольца и аберрантная правая подключичная артерия [98].…”

ISUOG Practice Guidelines (updated): fetal cardiac screening

“…The more cephalad and angled 3VTV permits more detailed evaluation of the position of the aortic arch and ductus arteriosus and their relation to the trachea 55 . It is particularly useful for detection of aortic arch abnormalities such as coarctation of the aorta, vascular rings and aberrant right subclavian artery 98 .…”