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Fetal cardiac evaluation at 11–14 weeks by experienced obstetricians in a low‐risk population
Author(s) -
Volpe Paolo,
Ubaldo Passamonti,
Volpe Nicola,
Campobasso Gianluca,
Robertis Valentina De,
Tempesta Annalisa,
Volpe Grazia,
Rembouskos Georgios
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
prenatal diagnosis
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.956
H-Index - 97
eISSN - 1097-0223
pISSN - 0197-3851
DOI - 10.1002/pd.2831
Subject(s) - ductus venosus , medicine , fetal echocardiography , population , fetus , obstetrics , context (archaeology) , nuchal translucency measurement , pregnancy , prenatal diagnosis , gestation , cardiology , paleontology , genetics , environmental health , biology
Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the detection rate of congenital heart diseases (CHD) in a low‐risk population by performing cardiac evaluation during the first‐trimester screening for chromosomal abnormalities. In this context, the role of four‐chamber view, tricuspid regurgitation and abnormal ductus venosus flow in the screening for cardiac anomalies in a low‐risk population was also investigated. Method The cardiac examination was performed by obstetricians with extensive experience in first‐ and second‐trimester ultrasound (US). Follow‐up US evaluations during the second and third trimesters were offered to all patients. In case of abnormal findings during routine assessment, fetal echocardiography was performed by a fetal cardiologist. Results Among the 4445 fetuses included in the study, 42 CHD were detected (39 diagnosed prenatally and 3 postnatally). In 27 cases, the fetal cardiologist confirmed the type of CHD diagnosed at US screening. In 1 case, the diagnosis was slightly different in the second trimester, and in 3 of the 26 correctly diagnosed in the first‐trimester cases, the CHD developed and progressed in severity. A significant association of major CHD and US first‐trimester markers was observed. Conclusions First‐trimester assessment of the fetal heart is feasible in a low‐risk population when performed by experienced obstetricians. However, although most types of CHD can be diagnosed early in pregnancy, some may become apparent later in gestation. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.