Detection of the fetal conotruncal anomalies using real-time three-dimensional echocardiography with live xPlane imaging of the fetal ductal arch view.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the role of live xPlane imaging of ductal arch view in detection of fetal conotruncal anomalies.

METHODS

Two hundred selected singleton pregnancies, including 152 normal cases, 27 conotruncal anomalies and 21 other types of fetal heart abnormalities were enrolled in this observational study. All the cases were scanned to visualize the ductal arch view with live xPlane imaging by a single observer. The detection rate of conotruncal and non-conotruncal anomalies with live xPlane imaging was compared.

RESULTS

In using this new method of live xPlane imaging, an abnormal ductal arch view was visualized in 92.6% of fetal conotruncal anomalies, compared with that of non-conotruncal anomalies (23.8%, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The ductal arch view can be obtained by live xPlane imaging. This method is relatively simple and feasible, hence may be a useful tool to detect fetal conotruncal anomalies.