Current concepts in fetal cardiovascular disease.
This article discusses the unique properties of the fetal cardiovascular system and patterns of blood flow in congenital heart disease. It also explores the complex interactive dependency between the developing heart and pulmonary vasculature, with particular attention to hypoplastic left heart syndrome. The article goes on to highlight some recent advances in the understanding of fetal cardiovascular medicine, specifically the possibilities and prognosis for fetal cardiac interventions. An understanding of the enigmatic process of twin-twin transfusion syndrome may help in elucidating one of the mechanisms for development of cardiac structural abnormalities in the fetus.
Szwast
Anita
A
The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 34th Street and Civic Center Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
Rychik
Jack
J
D005312:Fetal Blood; D005318:Fetal Heart / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005333:Fetus / Q000098:blood supply*; D006330:Heart Defects, Congenital / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D011652:Pulmonary Circulation; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal / Q000379:methods