Simultaneous pulsed Doppler velocimetry of fetal aorta and inferior vena cava. Diagnosis of fetal congenital heart block; two case reports

Abstract

A simple technique for the diagnosis of fetal congenital heart block by simultaneous Doppler blood-flow velocimetry of the fetal abdominal aorta and inferior vena cava is described. Furthermore, a simple method of monitoring the fetal atrial reactivity during the antenatal period; and simultaneous recording of atrial and ventricular rates during labour are also described. These simple techniques can be applied for the diagnosis and monitoring of the fetus in other types of cardiac arrhythmias.