Ultrasound sequential analysis of the cardiovascular anatomy in utero

Fetal cardiac anatomy was studied by ultrasound in 96 pregnancies between 16 and 24 weeks' gestation. Sequential approach was used to identify all venous, atrioventricular and ventriculoarterial connections as well as intracardiac anatomy. A standard CSE was performed after birth in all patients to confirm the normal heart anatomy. Aortic arch, pulmonary veins and pulmonary artery branches resulted sometimes uncertainly identified but a nearly complete morphological heart study was performed in almost all cases.