Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 1, 2026
09:31
Hemodynamic Precision in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit using Targeted Neonatal Echocardiography
Published on: January 27, 2023
First-trimester ductus venosus screening for cardiac defects: a meta-analysis
S I Papatheodorou1, E Evangelou, G Makrydimas
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Ioannina School of Medicine, Greece.
Summary
Abnormal ductus venosus (DV) Doppler waveform shows potential for screening congenital heart disease (CHD) in chromosomally normal fetuses. Its performance varies based on nuchal translucency (NT) status, offering valuable insights for clinical use.
Area of Science:
- Perinatology
- Fetal Medicine
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Congenital heart disease (CHD) represents the most frequent type of congenital abnormality.
- Early detection of fetal cardiac defects is crucial for improved neonatal outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a meta-analysis evaluating the screening performance of abnormal ductus venosus (DV) Doppler waveform for detecting CHD in chromosomally normal fetuses.
- To assess the diagnostic accuracy of DV Doppler in different nuchal translucency (NT) categories.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature search was performed across major databases (MEDLINE, ISI, SCOPUS, EMBASE) from 1999 to March 2011.
- Included studies focused on the first-trimester diagnostic performance of DV for CHD in chromosomally normal fetuses, irrespective of NT status.
- Hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristic (HSROC) curves were utilized for meta-analysis.
Main Results:
- Across all included fetuses (n=50,354), DV screening demonstrated a sensitivity of 50% and specificity of 93% for CHD detection.
- In fetuses with increased NT, sensitivity was 83% and specificity 80%.
- In fetuses with normal NT, sensitivity was 19% and specificity 96%.
Conclusions:
- The ductus venosus (DV) Doppler waveform assessment shows potential as a screening tool for congenital heart disease (CHD) in chromosomally normal fetuses.
- The performance characteristics of DV screening vary significantly depending on the fetal nuchal translucency (NT) status.
- These findings aid in evaluating the clinical utility and limitations of DV Doppler for prenatal CHD screening.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Venous Thrombosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
The key difference between Superficial Vein Thrombosis (SVT) and Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) lies in their location and severity.Clinical ManifestationsSVT typically presents with localized pain, tenderness, and redness along the course of a superficial vein, often accompanied by a palpable, cord-like structure under the skin. This condition is usually less dangerous than DVT but can be uncomfortable and may lead to complications such as cellulitis or, rarely, a clot extension into the deep...
01:14Fetal Circulation
Fetal circulation is a unique system that facilitates the exchange of gases, nutrients, and waste products between the developing fetus and the mother. This intricate process takes place through a special organ called the placenta.
Two umbilical arteries transport blood from the fetus to the placenta. At the placenta, the blood absorbs oxygen and nutrients while simultaneously eliminating waste products. This oxygen-enriched and nutrient-rich blood then returns to the fetus through one...
Two umbilical arteries transport blood from the fetus to the placenta. At the placenta, the blood absorbs oxygen and nutrients while simultaneously eliminating waste products. This oxygen-enriched and nutrient-rich blood then returns to the fetus through one...