When Fetal Echocardiography

Who must do fetal Echocardiography ? Actual Page : When must be done fetal Ecocardiography ? Why must be done fetal Echocardiography? Where must be done fetal Echocardiography? ritorna alla pagina di presentazione

    The time of fetal echocardiographic studies will vary with the reason for the examination.

  1. When the suspicion of a congenital cardiac lesion is present the study must be performed at 16-18 weeks.
  2. For purpose of confirmation, or a more complete examination, the study can be repeated at 24-28 weeks.
  3. The best results for quality of the studies and for timing all work up in managing pregnancy ( cordocentesis for ematochimical studies, karyotyping , interruption of pregnancy ) are at 18-22 weeks
  4. The examination can be performed at any tyme until 40 weeks if the indication arise during the tird trimenster of pregnancy. The quality of studies are poor with ingreasing age of gestation due to reduced aminiotic fluid, increased fetal ossification and fixed fetal position.
  5. If the heart is normal during the study in second trimester of pregnancy is yet possible a developing anomalies such as coarctation of the aorta, so it is necessary in all high risk pregnancy a second look at 34-36 weeks.

    IMPORTANT REMARKS

    There are same lesions that are difficult or impossible to exlude with fetal Echocardiography
    1. PATENT FORAMEN OVALIS
    2. PATENT DUCTUS ARTERIOSUS
    3. SMALL SEPTAL DEFECTS
    4. MINOR VALVULAR ANOMALIES
    5. PULMONARY VENOUS ABNORMALITY