A case of fetal complete heart block recorded by magnetocardiography, ultrasonography and direct fetal electrocardiography.
Fetal magnetocardiograms (FMCGs) were recorded in a case of fetal complete heart block (CHB) from the 30th to the 37th week of gestation using the multichannel SQUID system (Hitachi, Japan). M-mode ultrasonography and direct fetal electrocardiography using needle electrodes revealed fetal CHB. We identified independent fetal P-waves and QRS complexes in the FMCG recorded in the 32nd week of gestation when the fetal atriums were close to the FMCG sensor. We also recorded FMCG P-waves in the 37th week of gestation when the fetal heart was larger. Fetal heart position and size are important for obtaining a useful FMCG. To establish FMCG as a diagnostic tool of fetal arrhythmia, comparative studies with FECG are needed.
Hosono
T
T
Department of Perinatology, National Cardiovascular Center, Suita, Osaka, Japan. thosono@hsp.ncvc.go.jp
Chiba
Y
Y
Shinto
M
M
Miyashita
S
S
Muramaki
K
K
Kandori
A
A
Tsukada
K
K
D000328:Adult; D004562:Electrocardiography / Q000379:methods; D055590:Electromagnetic Phenomena; D005260:Female; D005315:Fetal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006327:Heart Block / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D011247:Pregnancy; D011296:Prenatal Diagnosis / Q000379:methods*; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal / Q000379:methods