The impact of fetal echocardiography

Fetal echocardiography has impacted the fetus with congenital heart disease in many important ways. Advances in fetal echocardiography have allowed for more accurate and earlier detection of cardiac abnormalities. In turn, the prenatal diagnosis of cardiac abnormalities has improved the care and outcome of selected fetuses with severe cardiac malformations or arrhythmias. Fetal echocardiography has improved the understanding of the development and evolution of congenital heart disease in utero, and it may serve a role in identifying candidates for prenatal intervention. The prenatal diagnosis of congenital heart disease has allowed for better counseling and preparation of families regarding the anticipated prenatal development of the fetus as well as the expected postnatal management plans and prognosis. This article reviews the impact of fetal echocardiography in these and other areas.