[New diagnostic methods and modalities for congenital heart disease].
Ultrasound imaging of cardiovascular structures has progressed rapidly from standard surface techniques to real-time 3-dimensional echocardiography and intracardiac echocardiography. Especially, 3-dimensional echocardiography is having a significant impact on the evaluation of congenital heart diseases (CHD). However, the present system of prenatal screening for CHD in Japan is not as efficient as it is in some Western countries. For this reason, the number of patient referrals for fetal echocardiography and the fetal diagnosis of CHD increased year after year. Gestational age at referral and at the diagnosis of CHD has increased rapidly in recent years. To improve the patient's prognosis, we should form more simple prenatal primary screening programs for CHD. In addition, we require the progression of the diagnostic modalities and familiarize these new diagnostic methods and modalities.
Iemura
Motofumi
M
Center for Cardiovascular Disease, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Japan.
D019560:Echocardiography, Three-Dimensional; D005260:Female; D005318:Fetal Heart / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006330:Heart Defects, Congenital / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D048208:Nuchal Translucency Measurement; D011247:Pregnancy; D011379:Prognosis; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal / Q000379:methods*