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Updated: Oct 19, 2025
Murine Fetal Echocardiography
Published on: February 15, 2013
Early prenatal diagnosis of double inlet left ventricle
Nizar Khatib1,2, Moshe Bronshtein3, Ron Beloosesky1,2
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel.
Insights
Early prenatal diagnosis of double inlet left ventricle (DILV) is feasible using ultrasound. This finding can significantly impact parental decisions regarding pregnancy management and future planning.
Area of Science:
- Perinatology
- Fetal Cardiology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Double Inlet Left Ventricle (DILV) is a complex congenital heart defect.
- Early detection is crucial for prenatal management and parental counseling.
- Prenatal diagnosis relies on advanced imaging techniques.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the early prenatal presentation of DILV.
- To determine the prevalence of DILV in early gestation.
- To identify associated anomalies with DILV.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of early fetal screening sonography (2006-2020).
- Screening performed between 9-16 weeks gestation using fetal anatomic scan and Doppler.
- Diagnosis based on abnormal four-chamber view, confirmed by fetal echocardiography.
Main Results:
- 14 cases of DILV diagnosed out of 26,805 screenings (prevalence of ~0.05%).
- Diagnosis occurred between 9-16 weeks gestation.
- Associated anomalies included Trisomy 21 in one case; autopsies confirmed DILV in two fetuses.
Conclusions:
- Very early prenatal detection of DILV is achievable.
- Early diagnosis provides critical information for parental decision-making regarding pregnancy.
- This capability aids in informed reproductive choices.
Objective:
The aim of this study to describe the presentation of double inlet left ventricle (DILV) very early in prenatal life, to assess its prevalence and to portray the associated anomalies.
Methods:
This was a retrospective study which included all the women who attended our clinic for early fetal screening sonography, between 2006 and 2020. Most of the screening was done at 14-16 weeks of gestation (except one high risk pregnancy, which was performed at nine gestational weeks), and included an anatomic fetal scan and Doppler imaging. The diagnosis of DILV was done based on sonographic features of abnormal four-chamber view. Complete fetal echocardiography was carried out to rule out additional heart malformations.
Results:
Out of 26,805 early prenatal transvaginal ultrasound screening examinations, 14 cases of DILV were diagnosed. The gestational age range of our DILV diagnosis was 9-16 gestational weeks. All pregnancies were terminated as per parental request. In five fetuses, a chromosomal analysis was performed, one had trisomy 21, and the rest fetuses had a normal karyotype. In two fetuses, an autopsy was performed and the diagnosis of DILV was confirmed in both.
Conclusions:
Very early prenatal detection of DILV is possible and may have an implication in parent decision regarding their pregnancy future.
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