Fetal cardiology

Curr Opin Pediatr. 2000 Oct;12(5):492-6. doi: 10.1097/00008480-200010000-00014.

Abstract

The prevalence of congenital heart disease increases with increasing NT, and many defects can be detected by echocardiography performed by a specialist at 13 to 17 weeks. There is increasing evidence that a prenatal diagnosis improves fetal outcome. Physiology and pathophysiology of the human fetal pulmonary circulation play an important role in the fetal circulation, and recent studies about the reactivity of these vessels in the third trimester have contributed to increase our understanding. The main issue in fetal arrhythmias (brady- and tachycardia) is the correct indication, efficacy, and safety of treatment.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Arrhythmias, Cardiac
  • Cardiology
  • Echocardiography
  • Female
  • Fetal Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Gestational Age
  • Heart Defects, Congenital / diagnosis*
  • Heart Defects, Congenital / embryology
  • Heart Defects, Congenital / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Pregnancy
  • Prenatal Diagnosis / methods*
  • Prevalence
  • Pulmonary Circulation / physiology
  • Risk Factors