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. 2012:2012:496935.
doi: 10.5402/2012/496935. Epub 2012 May 20.

Routine use of color Doppler in fetal heart scanning in a low-risk population

Torbjørn Moe Eggebø  1 , Claudia Heien, Magne Berget, Christian Lycke Ellingsen
Affiliations

Routine use of color Doppler in fetal heart scanning in a low-risk population

Torbjørn Moe Eggebø et al. ISRN Obstet Gynecol. 2012.

Abstract

Objectives. To investigate the detection rate of major fetal heart defects in a low-risk population implementing routine use of color Doppler. Material and Methods. In a prospective observational study, all women undergoing fetal heart scanning (including 6781 routine examinations in the second trimester) during a three-year period were included. First a gray-scale scanning was performed including assessment of the four-chamber view and the great vessels. Thereafter three cross-sectional planes through the fetal thorax were assessed with color Doppler. Results. Thirty-nine fetuses had major heart defects, and 26 (67%) were prenatally detected. In 9/26 (35%) of cases the main ultrasound finding was related to the use of color Doppler. The survival rate of live born children was 91%. Conclusions. Routine use of color Doppler in fetal heart scanning in a low-risk population may be helpful in the detection of major heart defects; however, still severe malformations were missed prenatally.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Three-vessel view illustrating retrograde blood flow in the pulmonary artery.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Unilateral perfusion of right ventricle in fetus with hypoplastic left heart syndrome.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Displacement and insufficiency of the tricuspid valve (Ebstein's anomaly).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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