title: Cardiovascular profile score in 44 fetuses with cervicofacial tumors.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Cervicofacial tumors are rarely detected by prenatal ultrasound, and prenatal counseling is very difficult as not much information is available about this problem in the literature, other than cases reports.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to know if fetal echocardiography examination is helpful in those cases.
  
  
  METHODS
  Forty-four fetuses with cervicofacial tumors detected in utero by ultrasonography and referred to our unit were assessed and the cardiovascular profile score (CVPS) based on echocardiography examinations was calculated. The data were analyzed by the standard statistical tests and Pearson's χ2-test (significance level P=0.05).
  
  
  RESULTS
  CVPS<8 was diagnosed in 10 fetuses (23%). Structural or functional cardiovascular anomalies were present in 17 fetuses (39%). The statistically significant correlation between the CVPS<8 and the poor outcome was confirmed (P<0.05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We recommend fetal echocardiography and CVPS evaluation before counseling in fetuses with cervicofacial tumors as cardiovascular dysfunction diagnosed prenatally may seriously affect survival of the fetus as well as prenatal counseling and need for cardiac treatment.
authors.forename: Rafal
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Zielinski
authors.forename: Maria
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Respondek-Liberska
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002319:Cardiovascular System / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology; D004452:Echocardiography; D005260:Female; D005318:Fetal Heart / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology; D005333:Fetus / Q000503:physiopathology; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000151:congenital* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000151:congenital / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D011247:Pregnancy; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal; D055815:Young Adult