Fetal echocardiography--four years experience in Bristol

Fetal echocardiography is described as a reliable method for detecting major structural cardiac abnormalities but relatively few hospitals offer the investigation. We report the results of fetal echocardiography in 110 pregnancies referred to our cardiac ultrasound service. Standard imaging techniques were used and scanning was carried out at 18-24 weeks gestation in the majority. Most referrals were made with a history of congenital heart disease in a sibling or close relative, the remainder followed abnormal routine scans or for other reasons. Four structural cardiac abnormalities were diagnosed in the routine scan abnormality group and one in the positive family history group. Referring clinicians reported no subsequent cardiac abnormality following normal scans. We confirm that provided a careful and systematic technique is used fetal echocardiography is reliable in detecting major structural cardiac defects. Particular attention should be paid to the fetal heart in patients with previously abnormal routine scans as this group accounts for the majority of detected congenital cardiac anomalies.