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The coronary sinus in the fetus.
1Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Hadassah-University Hospital, Jerusalem, Israel.
Summary
Fetal echocardiography can readily detect the coronary sinus, establishing normal dimensions throughout gestation. An enlarged coronary sinus in fetuses often indicates a persistent left superior vena cava.
Area of Science:
- Fetal cardiology
- Medical imaging
- Congenital abnormalities
Background:
- The coronary sinus (CS) normally drains cardiac venous blood to the right atrium.
- CS dilation can occur due to volume or pressure overload.
Purpose of the Study:
- Assess the feasibility of fetal CS detection.
- Establish normal CS dimensions across gestation.
Main Methods:
- Fetal echocardiography in 78 normal fetuses (16-40 weeks).
- CS measured in 4-chamber or parasternal short axis views.
- Comparison with 9 fetuses with dilated CS.
Main Results:
- Successful CS imaging in 97.4% of fetuses.
- Normal CS diameter ranged from 1-3.2 mm, correlating with gestational age (r=0.86).
- Dilated CS fetuses (n=9) had persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC), with CS diameter ~3x larger (P<0.0001).
Conclusions:
- Fetal CS is easily identified via echocardiography.
- Normal CS dimensions increase with gestational age.
- Abnormal CS suggests PLSVC, prompting further investigation.