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Fetal echocardiography in multiple gestations
Author(s) -
Copel J. A.,
Inati M.,
Green J. J.,
Hobbins J. C.,
Keinman C. S.
Publication year - 1991
Publication title -
ultrasound in obstetrics and gynecology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.202
H-Index - 141
eISSN - 1469-0705
pISSN - 0960-7692
DOI - 10.1046/j.1469-0705.1991.01020111.x
Subject(s) - medicine , gestation , fetus , fetal echocardiography , abnormality , obstetrics and gynaecology , heart disease , pregnancy , obstetrics , cardiology , prenatal diagnosis , genetics , psychiatry , biology
We reviewed fetal echocardiograms from 36 multiple gestations from 20 weeks gestation to term. Seven sets of twins plus one set of triplets were referred because of a suspect cardiac anomaly in one fetus; heart disease was confirmed in one fetus of six sets of twins and in one triplet. Six sets were referred because of extracardiac malformations and heart disease was confirmed in two sets (including both twins in one set). The remaining case was detected in a patient sent for evaluation of karyotypic abnormality. Thus 11 fetal cardiac defects were detected in ten pregnancies. Chromosomes were abnormal in three of the anomalous fetuses. Two sets discordant for heart disease were monochorionic. Intervention, including a change in the planned location of delivery, or maternal digitalization for fetal congestive failure, occurred in six. We conclude that fetal echocardiography is feasible and useful in appropriate multiple gestations. Although often ethically complex, the information gained can be applied to patient management. Copyright © 1991 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology