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Updated: Aug 11, 2026
07:34
Fetal Mouse Cardiovascular Imaging Using a High-frequency Ultrasound (30/45MHZ) System
Published on: May 5, 2018
[The newborn with cardiological problems. The dilemma between malformative and non-malformative pathology]
1Cattedra di Neonatologia ed Unità Operativa di Cardiologia Pediatrica, Dipartimento di Pediatria, Università degli Studi di Catania, Catania, Italy.
Minerva Pediatrica
|May 20, 2003
Summary
Neonatal cyanosis and heart failure require prompt diagnosis. This review highlights key clinical and instrumental findings for neonatologists to differentiate cardiac malformations from other critical conditions, especially when echocardiography is unavailable.
Area of Science:
- Neonatology
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Diagnostic Imaging
Context:
- Cardiovascular impairment is common in neonates, presenting as cyanosis or heart failure.
- Prompt diagnosis is crucial as many conditions are ductus arteriosus-dependent and can rapidly deteriorate.
- Echocardiography, while valuable, is not universally available in neonatal units.
Purpose:
- To guide neonatologists in diagnosing neonatal cardiovascular conditions without immediate echocardiography access.
- To review common congenital heart malformations presenting with cyanosis/heart failure.
- To discuss non-malformative neonatal pathologies that mimic congenital heart disease.
Summary:
- This article reviews frequent neonatal heart malformations (e.g., transposition of great arteries, Tetralogy of Fallot) and conditions simulating them (e.g., persistent fetal circulation, myocardial ischemia).
- It emphasizes the importance of physical examination, chest X-ray, ECG, and blood gas analysis for differential diagnosis.
- Key clinical and instrumental findings useful in the absence of echocardiography are presented.
Impact:
- Empowers neonatologists with diagnostic skills using readily available tools.
- Facilitates timely and accurate diagnosis of critical neonatal cardiovascular conditions.
- Improves patient outcomes by enabling earlier intervention for ductal-dependent heart diseases.
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