faq
What is an echocardiogram?
It is a detailed scan of the fetal heart carried out by a doctor who is experienced in: the detection of fetal cardiovascular pathologies, pre-birth consultation regarding these anomalies and from collaboration with neonatologists, cardiac surgeons and paediatric cardiologists. This examination is based on a thorough assessment of the structure, function and prognostic parameters of the fetal heart and peripheral circulatory system. Top-of-the-range ultrasound equipment dedicated to fetal echocardiography is required for such an examination.
Is the echocardiographic examination safe?
Yes, fetal echocardiography is completely safe, as are standard ultrasound examinations carried out during pregnancy.
Do congenital heart defects (CHDs) run in families?
The vast majority of CHDs arise incidentally from a developmental disorder. There is a familial predisposition to left heart defects, i.e. aortic stenosis, hypoplastic left heart syndrome or coarctation of the aorta; as well as heterotaxy syndromes. We know more and more about the genetic factors in cases of CHD and sometimes genetic testing of the fetus is necessary, sometimes involving the parents and other family members.
Is tricuspid regurgitation a congenital heart defect (CHD)?
Tricuspid regurgitation is most often the result of fetal circulatory immaturity and disappears spontaneously. However, sometimes if significant it can be a functional feature coexisting with CHD, infection, anaemia, or other congenital conditions in the fetus.
Is an echogenic intracardiac focus a Congenital Heart Defect?
The so-called echogenic focus is an artefact, i.e. an abnormality of ultrasound scattering on the rough surface of the valvular apparatus and is most often observed in the left ventricle. It can be compared to the ‘fata morgana’ phenomenon, meaning that this artefact shows the presence of a lesion or change that is not actually present.
What is meant by the term critical heart defects?
In the simplest terms, these are heart defects that require the implementation of appropriate management immediately after birth. This group accounts for approximately 20 per cent of these anomalies. The most important group here are the so-called ductal dependent (DD) defects, which include defects with DD systemic circulation (where the left ventricle after birth is unable to supply the systemic circulation, e.g. hypoplastic left heart syndrome); with DD pulmonary circulation (where the right ventricle at birth is unable to supply the pulmonary circulation, e.g. severe forms of Tetralogy of Fallot ;and anomalies such as D-Transposition of Great Vessels (D-TGA), where after birth the blood needs to mix between two circuits of circulation to provide the baby with adequate oxygen levels in the blood. Critical defects also include a common arterial trunk, total anomalous pulmonary venous return, or tumours and thrombi that obstruct inflow or outflow pathways to and from the ventricles.
