Fetal echocardiography in normal pregnancies--a basis for prenatal detection of cardiac malformations.

Fifty four fetal echocardiography studies were done in 50 fetuses of ultrasonographically normal and healthy mothers between 16 and 36 weeks of pregnancy. In all cases there was no family history of any congenital heart defects. The purpose was to define normal fetal cardiac anatomy and detect any congenital heart defects. Two dimensional echocardiographic examination was done in long axis, apical four chamber, short axis and subcostal views. M-Mode examination of aorta, left atrium and ventricles was carried out. In majority of cases echos were satisfactory; however, the quality was poor in maternal obesity and oligohydramnios. The technique of cardiac examination differs from that in postnatal life. Two abnormalities were detected in this study, namely, ventricular septal defect (VSD) and paroxysmal atrial tachycardia (PAT). The VSD patient continued the pregnancy and at birth the diagnosis was confirmed, The mother with fetal PAT was put on oral digitalis. She delivered a normal baby with a normal heart rate.