Abnormal findings in fetal echocardiography and maternal disease: A cross-sectional study

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Prenatal Diagnosis
• Obstetrics

Background:

• Congenital cardiovascular malformations are the most frequent birth defects.
• Fetal echocardiography is a highly sensitive and specific diagnostic tool for congenital heart disease.
• It is effective in both low- and high-risk populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate abnormal findings during fetal echocardiography.
• To correlate these findings with maternal disease.
• To assess the diagnostic accuracy of fetal echocardiography.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 114 pregnant women.
• Fetal echocardiography performed according to International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology guidelines.
• Data collected included referral reasons, gestational age, maternal demographics, and diagnoses.

Main Results:

• The most common referral causes were diabetes (36.8%), fetal arrhythmia (14%), and advanced maternal age (7%).
• Postpartum findings revealed normal results in 68.4%, cardiac abnormalities in 17.6%, and arrhythmias in 14%.
• Postnatal echocardiography results largely confirmed fetal echocardiography findings.

Conclusions:

• Fetal echocardiography is a valuable tool for the early detection of congenital heart diseases.
• Early diagnosis facilitates timely intervention and management.
• This technique improves prenatal care for fetal cardiac conditions.