[Fetal atrioventricular block].
OBJECTIVE
To study the pathogenesis, evolution and prognosis of the complete heart block of the fetus.


METHODS
Bidimensional echocardiography associated to M-mode and doppler was performed in 600 patients. All cases of congenital heart block were referred because the fetuses presented hydrops, bradycardia and/or cardiac malformation suspected by routine ultrasound.


RESULTS
Isolated heart block was found in 6 fetuses (5 cases of complete type and 1 case of 2nd degree type 2:1). Heart block associated with complex cardiac disease and left atrial isomerism was found in 6 fetuses with no survivors (5 cases of complete type and 1 case of 2nd degree type 2:1). Heart block associated with atrioventricular discordante was found in 1 case.


CONCLUSIONS
The findings of this study agree the literature about the relation between maternal anti-RO antibodies and isolated complete heart block. We also found a poor prognosis in the group with heart block and complex cardiac malformations.
Lopes
L M
LM
Departamento de Obstetrícia e Ginecologia, Hospital das Clínicas, FMUSP.
Cha
S C
SC
Sadek
L
L
Iwahashi
E R
ER
Aiello
V D
VD
Zugaib
M
M
D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D003240:Connective Tissue Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology; D004452:Echocardiography / Q000295:instrumentation; D004562:Electrocardiography; D005260:Female; D005315:Fetal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology; D006327:Heart Block / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D011247:Pregnancy; D011379:Prognosis; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal / Q000295:instrumentation
Bloqueio atrioventricular fetal.