Prenatal Detection of Congenital Fetal Heart Diseases using 2D greyscale ultrasound combined with Doppler in a high-risk population

Aim: We aimed to assess the accuracy and predictive value of fetal cardiac screening for congenital heart disease (CHD) at 18-22 gestational weeks in high-risk patients. Methods: In this study of fetal cardiac screening, four-chamber view, three-vessel view, outflow tracts followed by Doppler were recorded by obstetricians at 18–22 gestational weeks. A total of 438 fetuses that were scheduled for delivery at our hospital were included. Results: Forty-four newborns were born with CHD (10.9%). The prenatal detection rate of CHD was (72.7%). Although 80% of structural abnormality was diagnosed antenatally, only 44.4 % of valvular abnormality was diagnosed. Conclusion: Detailed fetal heart scan performed by skilled obstetricians had a high detection rate for structural rather than valvular CHD in high-risk populations. The integration of this scan with multiple appropriate cardiac views into routine second trimester scan may improve the detection rate of fetal CHD and give a chance for parental counseling.