Progressive pulmonary stenosis in the fetus: two case reports

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Prenatal Diagnosis
• Fetal Medicine

Background:

• Congenital heart disease (CHD) encompasses a range of structural abnormalities present at birth.
• Fetal echocardiography is a non-invasive imaging technique used to assess fetal cardiac anatomy and function.
• Understanding the natural history of fetal cardiac defects is crucial for prenatal management and outcomes.

Observation:

• This report details two cases of fetuses diagnosed with complex congenital heart disease.
• Both fetuses exhibited progressive pulmonary stenosis during serial fetal echocardiography evaluations.
• One fetus presented with tetralogy of Fallot, while the other had a single ventricle anatomy.

Findings:

• Progressive pulmonary stenosis was observed in utero in both cases.
• The severity of pulmonary stenosis increased over the course of the pregnancy.
• These observations highlight the dynamic nature of certain fetal cardiac defects.

Implications:

• Fetal echocardiography is vital for monitoring the progression of congenital heart disease in utero.
• Serial imaging can detect worsening conditions, aiding in timely intervention planning.
• These findings underscore the importance of understanding in utero cardiac defect evolution for improved perinatal care.