Prenatal diagnosis of criss-cross heart: sonographical and pathological features of five cases

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Developmental Biology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Fetal criss-cross heart (CCH) is a rare congenital heart anomaly.
• Accurate prenatal diagnosis of CCH is crucial for management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To delineate the sonographical and pathological characteristics of fetal CCH.
• To establish diagnostic criteria for prenatal identification of CCH.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of fetal echocardiograms and autopsy reports for CCH cases (May 2003-May 2011).
• Analysis of demographic, genetic, sonographical, and pathological data.
• Description of characteristic sonographical findings using standard and Doppler ultrasound.

Main Results:

• Five cases of fetal CCH were identified and confirmed by autopsy.
• Key sonographical findings include difficulty obtaining the four-chamber view, spiraling interventricular septum, superior-inferior crossing ventricular inlets, and a sagittal four-chamber-like view.
• Doppler ultrasound revealed the criss-cross arrangement of ventricular inflow tracts.

Conclusions:

• Fetal criss-cross heart (CCH) is a rare developmental disorder with distinct sonographical features.
• Prenatal diagnosis of CCH is achievable through fetal echocardiography.
• Early identification facilitates genetic counseling and timely intervention strategies.