To assess the efficacy of fetal echocardiographic examination in antenatal women to diagnose structural and functional heart disease.
A prospective cohort study of 600 antenatal women was performed; 227 low-risk and 373 high-risk women were evaluated. High-risk factors were hypothyroidism, diabetes, heart disease, Rh negative pregnancies, preeclampsia, SLE, sickle cell anemia, thalessemia and tuberculosis. All women had detailed fetal echocardiographic examination at 20–24 weeks gestation. Accuracy of fetal echocardiography was evaluated from neonatal outcome at birth and after six months.
Two percent antenatal women had echocardiographic findings suggestive of fetal heart disease (1.7% of low-risk and 2% of high-risk). Major congenital heart disease on echocardiography, was suspected in two women of high-risk group, which was further confirmed in neonatal period. Eight fetuses were suspected with minor cardiac abnormalities. However, after birth three of them were found to be normal and 5 neonates needed to be kept under follow-up for confirmation or spontaneous resolution.
Fetal echocardiography is suggested in high-risk pregnancy for exclusion of congenital heart disease. It should be offered to low risk antenatal women also.
