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Prenatal evaluation of congenital heart disease in high-risk pregnancies
A Giancotti1, F Torcia, G Giampà
1II Clinic Obstetric and Gynecology, University of Rome La Sapienza, Italy.
Insights
Early screening for congenital heart disease (CHD) in high-risk pregnancies using echocardiography is crucial. This study highlights the effectiveness of detailed fetal cardiac examinations in detecting heart defects with high accuracy.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Prenatal Diagnosis
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Congenital heart disease (CHD) affects approximately 3.6% of pregnancies.
- Specific risk factors identified during genetic counseling can indicate increased risk for fetal cardiac anomalies.
- Early detection of fetal heart defects is critical for timely intervention and improved outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the influence of specific risk factors in detecting fetal cardiac anomalies.
- To assess the diagnostic accuracy of extended fetal echocardiographic examinations in high-risk pregnancies.
- To underscore the importance of early detection of pregnancies at increased risk for CHD.
Main Methods:
- Echocardiography was performed on 736 pregnancies with identified risk factors for CHD.
- Extended fetal echocardiographic examinations were utilized for high-risk pregnancies.
- Diagnostic accuracy metrics, including sensitivity and specificity, were calculated.
Main Results:
- Twenty-seven heart defects were observed, representing 3.6% of the study population.
- Ultrasound successfully detected 24 out of the 27 observed heart defects.
- The extended fetal echocardiographic examination demonstrated high diagnostic accuracy with 99% specificity and 90% sensitivity.
Conclusions:
- Early identification of high-risk pregnancies for CHD is essential.
- Extended fetal echocardiographic examination is a reliable tool for diagnosing fetal cardiac anomalies.
- The study confirms the good diagnostic accuracy of multiple cardiac examinations in prenatal screening for CHD.
Abstract:
The authors report their experience of echocardiography performed on a group of 736 pregnancies with specific risk-factors for congenital heart disease (CHD). The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of specific risk-factors (established through the genetic counselling) in detecting fetal cardiac anomalies and diagnostic accuracy of extended fetal echocardiographic examination in high-risk pregnancies. Twenty-seven heart defects were observed (3.6%), of these 24 were detected at ultrasound. Specificity and sensitivity were 99% and 90% respectively. These results suggest the importance of an early detection of pregnancies at increased risk for CHD and confirm the good diagnostic accuracy of a multiple cardiac examination.