Fetal upper mediastinum — normal and abnormal findings in obstetric ultrasound screening

Fetal cardiac assessment is an integral part of the obstetric ultrasound. The inclusion of the outflow tracts and the three-vessel and tracheal view into the ultrasound screening enhances the detection rate for cardiovascular anomalies. Both, international and Polish guidelines recommend routine evaluation of the upper mediastinum. The aim of the study was to present the principles for assessing the structures of the upper mediastinum in normal conditions and to draw attention to the pathologies which may be visible in this plane.