Echocardiography in the investigation of anterior abdominal wall defects in the fetus.

Of 20 pregnancies referred for fetal echocardiography with a diagnosis of anterior abdominal wall defect, congenital heart disease was present in eight of the 17 with exomphalos and in none of the three with gastroschisis. Four of these eight affected pregnancies were terminated because trisomy 18 was diagnosed, of the remaining four, only one baby survived infancy. We conclude that ultrasound investigation of the fetal heart is an important part of the diagnostic assessment of anterior abdominal wall defect if an accurate prognosis and appropriate obstetric management are to be provided.