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.

Can live xPlane imaging of the in-plane view of interventricular septum be used to detect fetal conotruncal anomalies?

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility of live xPlane imaging visualizing the in-plane view of IVS in the screening of the fetal conotruncal anomalies. METHOD: One hundred and fifty-two consecutive normal singleton fetuses and forty-eight fetal cardiac defects (27 conotruncal and 21 non-conotruncal cases), were enrolled in this study. The in-plane view of IVS was firstly acquired with live xPlane imaging and then judged whether it is normal or not by one operator. The focus was put on observing the relationship of pulmonary artery and aorta. The comparison between conotruncal and non-conotruncal anomalies in demonstrating the relationship of pulmonary artery and aorta was performed. RESULT: There were 27 cases of conotruncal anomalies enrolled in this study and 19 cases (70.4%) had the abnormal relationship of aorta and pulmonary artery in the in-plane view of IVS. In 21 cases of non-conotruncal CHDs, however, there were only 5 cases (23.8%) had the abnormal relationship in the in-plane view of IVS (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Live xPlane imaging of the in-plane view of IVS is feasible to detect the fetal conotruncal anomalies, which may potentially be a useful tool for the non-experienced operators to screen the fetal conotruncal anomalies.