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Related Experiment Videos

First-trimester transabdominal fetal echocardiography

J S Carvalho1, G Moscoso, Y Ville

  • 1Fetal Medicine Unit, St George's Hospital NHS Trust, London, UK. carvalho@eas-jsc.demon.co.uk

Lancet (London, England)
|April 18, 1998
PubMed
Summary

First-trimester fetal echocardiography is feasible for early detection of fetal cardiac abnormalities. This allows for timely reassurance or diagnosis, reducing parental anxiety during pregnancy.

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Area of Science:

  • Prenatal diagnosis
  • Fetal medicine
  • Cardiology

Background:

  • Standard fetal echocardiography is performed in the second trimester.
  • Late diagnosis can cause parental anxiety for high-risk pregnancies.
  • Early assessment can provide reassurance or diagnosis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the feasibility of first-trimester transabdominal fetal echocardiography.
  • To evaluate its effectiveness for early reassurance or diagnosis of cardiac malformations.

Main Methods:

  • 15 high-risk fetuses underwent first-trimester echocardiography (13 weeks gestation).
  • Transabdominal approach with a 5 MHz curvilinear transducer was used.
  • Assessment included visceral situs, four-chamber view, and great arteries; follow-up included second-trimester scans and neonatal assessment.

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Main Results:

  • 11 fetuses had adequate imaging for reassurance or diagnosis.
  • Normal cardiac anatomy was confirmed in 10 fetuses.
  • Abnormalities diagnosed included ventricular septal defects and a complex malformation.

Conclusions:

  • Transabdominal fetal echocardiography is feasible in the first trimester.
  • Image resolution is often sufficient for basic cardiac anatomy assessment.
  • Early detection of normal or abnormal cardiac development is possible.