Prenatal diagnosis of total anomalous pulmonary venous connection using 2D and HDlive flow combined with spatiotemporal image correlation

Echocardiography. 2022 Oct;39(10):1269-1275. doi: 10.1111/echo.15429. Epub 2022 Sep 13.

Abstract

Objectives: The objective of this study is to examine the application value of two-dimensional (2D) and high-definition live (HDlive) flow combined with spatiotemporal image correlation (STIC) in diagnosing fetal total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC).

Methods: Seventeen cases of fetal TAPVC were diagnosed using 2D and HDlive Flow combined with STIC. These cases were then retrospectively analyzed to examine the value of using 2D and HDlive Flow combined with STIC in the diagnosis of TAPVC.

Results: 2D and HDlive Flow combined with STIC detected 13 cases of supracardiac TAPVC (two isolated cases, seven cases with right atrial isomerism (RAI), four cases with other complex malformations), one case of isolated intra-cardiac TAPVC, and three cases of cardiac TAPVC (two isolated cases and one case with complex congenital heart anomaly). Small left atrium (LA), the absence of PVs drainage into the LA and the increased retroatrial distance between LA and the descending aorta (DAo) were significant signs that should raise the suspicion of fetal TAPVC. HDlive Flow combined with STIC can dynamically display the TAPVC which may assit the prenatal diagnosis of TAPVC.

Conclusion: 2D and HDlive Flow combined with STIC can assit the diagnosis of fetal TAPVC abnormalities and has important clinical value.

Keywords: fetus; prenatal diagnosis; spatiotemporal image correlation; total anomalous pulmonary venous connection; two-dimensional; ultrasound.

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Humans
  • Pregnancy
  • Prenatal Diagnosis* / methods
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Scimitar Syndrome* / diagnostic imaging
  • Ultrasonography, Prenatal* / methods