title: Three-dimensional fetal echocardiography for prediction of postnatal surgical approach in double outlet right ventricle: a pilot study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To examine the feasibility of reconstructing three-dimensional (3D) echocardiographic views in fetuses with double outlet right ventricle, which might enhance prognostication with respect to the postnatal surgical approach.
  
  
  METHODS
  This was a retrospective blinded observational study. Our database was reviewed from January 2007 to June 2011 to identify fetuses with usual atrial arrangement, concordant atrioventricular connections, double outlet right ventricle and relatively balanced left and right ventricular size. Six fetuses, in which there was an intention to treat, were included.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In all six cases, we identified important features, including location of the ventricular septal defect and its relation to the atrioventricular valves and great arteries. The postnatal surgical approach was predicted accurately in each case.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In this group of fetuses with double outlet right ventricle, detailed evaluation by 3D fetal echocardiography enhanced visualization of the anatomy, leading to accurate prediction of the type of surgical repair. Prospective validation in a large cohort of fetuses is warranted.
authors.affiliation: Department of Congenital Heart Disease, Evelina Children's Hospital, London, UK; Harris Birthright Research Centre for Fetal Medicine, King's College Hospital, London, UK.
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Zidere
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Pushparajah
authors.forename: L D
authors.initials: LD
authors.lastname: Allan
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Simpson
mesh_terms: D004310:Double Outlet Right Ventricle / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000196:embryology / Q000601:surgery; D019560:Echocardiography, Three-Dimensional; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005315:Fetal Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011181:Postnatal Care; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal / Q000379:methods
keywords: double outlet right ventricle; fetal heart; three-dimensional echocardiography