Fetal cardiovascular physiology.
The cardiovascular system of the fetus is physiologically different than the adult, mature system. Unique characteristics of the myocardium and specific channels of blood flow differentitate the physiology of the fetus from the newborn. Conditions of increased preload and afterload in the fetus, such as sacrococcygeal teratoma and twin-twin transfusion syndrome, result in unique and complex pathophysiological states. Echocardiography has improved our understanding of human fetal cadiovasvular physiology in the normal and diseased states, and has expanded our capability to more effectively treat these disease processes.
Rychik
J
J
The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, 34th Street and Civic Center Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19004, USA. rychik@email.chop.edu
D000328:Adult; D001165:Arteriovenous Malformations / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000196:embryology; D002320:Cardiovascular Physiological Phenomena; D004452:Echocardiography; D005260:Female; D005330:Fetofetal Transfusion / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000196:embryology; D005333:Fetus / Q000502:physiology*; D006330:Heart Defects, Congenital / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000196:embryology; D006439:Hemodynamics; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal