The role of diagnostic ultrasound in the study of fetal cardiac abnormalities.
Between January 1982 and April 1983, a total of 315 patients was scanned for fetal Congenital Heart Disease (CHD). In 70% of these patients, there was an increased risk for CHD in their offspring, in the remaining 30% abnormal findings were made by ultrasound in the present pregnancy. Nine cardiac defects were correctly diagnosed. There were three false positive and three false negative findings. The presence of fetal dysrhythmia, Intra-Uterine Growth Retardation (IUGR), ascites or polyhydramnios warrants a structural analysis of the fetal heart. Prenatal scanning for CHD should preferably be carried out in centres which can guarantee a high degree of scanning experience, up-to-date scanning equipment and close cooperation with a well-established neonatal and pediatric cardiology unit.
D005188:False Negative Reactions; D005189:False Positive Reactions; D005260:Female; D005317:Fetal Growth Retardation / Q000175:diagnosis; D006330:Heart Defects, Congenital / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D006831:Polyhydramnios / Q000175:diagnosis; D011247:Pregnancy; D011296:Prenatal Diagnosis; D012306:Risk; D014463:Ultrasonography