Functional Imaging in Fetal Echocardiography: A Review of Conventional and Novel Approaches

Advances in fetal cardiac imaging have resulted in changes in the practice of fetal cardiology, and in improved neonatal outcomes for these patients. As the anatomic diagnostic accuracy of fetal cardiology has improved, cardiologists have sought new challenges in fetal imaging, and with new emphasis on improved front line detection, treatment/intervention during fetal life, and assessment of fetal ventricular function and cardiovascular performance. The evolution of noninvasive assessment of fetal cardiac function is related to technologic advances in ultrasound imaging. This article reviews conventional methods of the assessment of cardiac function, as well as some promising directions for future evaluation with emphasis on future applications of 3D echocardiography and 3D speckle tracking echocardiography.