Two-dimensional and M-mode echocardiographic evaluation of fetal arrhythmia

Cardiac anatomy and rhythm were evaluated in the fetuses of 18 pregnant women (between 20 and 42 weeks of gestation) referred because of abnormal fetal heart rate or rhythm. Utilizing a 3 MHz two-dimensional scan head with M-mode capability, M-mode recordings were obtained at paper speeds of 50 and 100 mm/s from 16 fetuses. The arrhythmia of two fetuses was diagnosed using two-dimensional echo alone. Semilunar and atrioventricular valve opening and closing points, A waves, plus ventricular wall motion were used for timing purposes; and heart rate and rhythm were determined. Diagnoses made were atrial premature beats n = 3, ventricular premature beats n = 3, congenital heart block n = 4, supraventricular tachycardia n = 3, sinus bradycardia n = 1, and blocked atrial beats n = 1. In three fetuses no arrhythmia was identified. Cardiac anatomy was normal in 16 fetuses, with two (congenital heart block) felt to have univentricular hearts. Fourteen pregnancies went to term, two were delivered prematurely, and two fetuses with congenital heart block were stillborn. In three fetuses arrhythmia was confirmed during labor by fetal scalp electrode. Arrhythmia was absent after birth in 11 of 16 infants, with congenital heart block persistent in two infants, and supraventricular tachycardia, atrial premature beats, and blocked atrial premature beats remaining in one each. Intervention with medical management was attempted in four pregnancies, with successful termination of arrhythmia supraventricular tachycardia) in two fetuses. We conclude that combined two-dimensional M-mode capability is useful in the diagnosis of fetal rhythm disturbances, and perhaps in the selection of timing, and mode of intervention.