Sequential segmental approach to fetal congenital heart disease

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Cardiology
• Prenatal Diagnosis

Background:

• The sequential segmental approach is standard for diagnosing congenital heart disease.
• Its application in fetal sonography requires standardized protocols.
• Accurate prenatal diagnosis of congenital heart disease is crucial for timely intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a sequential segmental approach for fetal echocardiography.
• To outline six essential sonographic views for evaluating fetal heart anatomy.
• To establish a standard protocol for acquiring these views.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a sequential segmental approach during fetal sonography.
• Acquired six standardized sonographic views: transverse abdominal, four-chamber, left and right ventricular outflow tracts, three-vessel view, and aortic arch.
• Correlated abdominal situs with atrial arrangement and assessed atrioventricular and ventriculoarterial junctions.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated the utility of six basic sonographic views for sequential segmental analysis of the fetal heart.
• Showcased how abdominal organ arrangement provides clues to atrial arrangement.
• Highlighted the importance of outflow tract, three-vessel, and aortic arch views for diagnosing great artery abnormalities.

Conclusions:

• A standardized six-view sequential segmental approach is effective for fetal echocardiography.
• This method facilitates comprehensive evaluation of fetal heart structure and diagnosis of congenital heart disease.
• The described protocol aids in consistent and accurate prenatal assessment of cardiac anomalies.