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F82Detailed three‐dimensional fetal echocardiography facilitated by an internet link
Author(s) -
Michailidis G.D.,
Simpson J.M.,
Karidas C.,
Economides D.L.
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.1469-0705.2000.00015-1-82.x
Subject(s) - medicine , ventricle , fetal echocardiography , fetus , cardiology , ventricular outflow tract , gestational age , fetal heart , outflow , pregnancy , prenatal diagnosis , physics , biology , meteorology , genetics
Objectives To assess whether a complete virtual cardiologic examination can be achieved in stored three‐dimensional volumes of the fetal heart, transmitted to a tertiary fetal cardiology centre via the Internet. Methods Twenty‐one sequential normal singleton pregnancies. 1–4 cardiac volumes were acquired using a Kretz Voluson 530D scanner. The volumes were sent via the internet to a fetal cardiologist. A detailed fetal cardiac examination, was attempted using the 3D volumetric dataset. Results The mean gestational age was 24 weeks and 3 days. A complete heart examination was accomplished in 81% (95%C.I. 58% to 94%) of cases. The four‐chamber view, and the right ventricle outflow tract were seen in all cases. The ‘three vessel’ view was seen in 91% of the cases, while the left ventricle outflow, long axis view of the aortic arch, SVC/IVC and pulmonary veins in 81% of the cases. The mean time of volume acquisition was 10 min (SD: 2 min) and it was mainly influenced by fetal movements and the transfer time to the main computer. The mean examination time by the fetal cardiologist was 17.8 min (SD 6 min). Conclusion These preliminary results demonstrate that 3D virtual examination of the heart is possible. Although there are limitations such as the lack of flow and functional information, complete ascertainment of the main cardiac connections was possible in the majority of cases. The use of an internet link has major implications, particularly in situations where the scanning centre is geographically remote from the cardiological centre.