Advances in fetal echocardiography.

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Prenatal Ultrasound
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Fetal echocardiography has significantly evolved over 30 years.
• Prenatal screening for congenital heart defects (CHDs) is now standard practice.
• Technical advancements and interdisciplinary approaches drive program success.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the advancements in fetal echocardiography and prenatal cardiac screening.
• To highlight the integration of screening into routine second-trimester anatomical ultrasound.
• To discuss the benefits and limitations of current prenatal diagnostic capabilities.

Main Methods:

• Review of technical innovations in fetal echocardiography.
• Analysis of the 'five-transverse view' protocol for anatomical ultrasound.
• Evaluation of the impact of prenatal diagnosis on perinatal care.

Main Results:

• Prenatal diagnosis is achievable for nearly all cardiac lesions.
• Prenatal evaluation aids in determining delivery care and reducing perinatal morbidity.
• Only 50% of infants requiring surgery within the first year have a prenatal diagnosis.

Conclusions:

• Fetal echocardiography has transformed CHD screening.
• Standardized protocols and advanced imaging improve diagnostic accuracy.
• Ongoing training for sonographers is crucial for enhancing prenatal detection rates.