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P114Fetal echocardiography in chromosomally normal fetuses with increased nuchal translucency. A preliminary report
Author(s) -
Puerto B.,
Martinez J. M.,
Borrell A.,
Cararach V.,
Fortuny A.
Publication year - 2000
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.1469-0705.2000.00004-1-113.x
Subject(s) - medicine , atrioventricular valve , fetal echocardiography , pulmonic stenosis , cardiology , nuchal translucency measurement , gestation , population , heart disease , fetus , pulmonary atresia , tricuspid valve , regurgitation (circulation) , stenosis , prenatal diagnosis , pregnancy , ventricle , biology , genetics , environmental health
Objective To determine the value of first trimester screening for congenital heart disease by measurement of nuchal translucency at 10–14 weeks of gestation. Methodology A transabdominal echocardiography at 20–22 weeks of gestation was performed in 104 singleton pregnancies with chromosomally normal fetuses and an increased nuchal translucency (> 95th centile) at 10–14 weeks. In the last 55 cases an early examination combining either the transvaginal or the transabdominal route at 13–16 weeks was also carried out. The heart evaluation was considered as complete when the four chamber view, with both atria, ventricles and atrioventricular valves, as well as the origin and double crossing of the great arteries were correctly identified. Colour and pulsed Doppler examination were used to assess blood flow through the aortic, pulmonic and atrioventricular valves, in order to detect regurgitation or very high velocities suggesting valve stenosis. The systemic and pulmonary venous return was also identified, and assessed by Doppler when possible. Results Only one structural cardiac defect was detected in this population. It was a tricuspid atresia with ventricular septal defect detected at 14 weeks of gestation. Conclusion Although the number of cases is too small to draw strong conclusions, the utility of nuchal translucency as a screening method for congenital heart disease in chromosomally normal fetuses is worth to be confirmed by further investigation.