Evaluation of fetal cardiac dysrhythmias with two-dimensional, M-mode, and pulsed Doppler ultrasonography

Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1988 Feb;158(2):286-90. doi: 10.1016/0002-9378(88)90139-1.

Abstract

Forty-three patients with fetal cardiac dysrhythmia were referred to a tertiary ultrasound department for further evaluation. The patients were subdivided according to the type of dysrhythmia diagnosed. All patients with irregular fetal heart rate had a good perinatal outcome. Of the six patients with fetal tachycardia, two required in utero therapy with maternal digoxin, and one of these fetuses had a cardiac tumor. The eleven patients with fetal bradycardia had the worst perinatal outcome, with four deaths occurring. The results suggest that all patients with fetal tachycardia or bradycardia should have a complete fetal cardiac assessment in a center experienced with the management of such cases.

MeSH terms

  • Algorithms*
  • Arrhythmias, Cardiac / diagnosis*
  • Echocardiography / methods*
  • Female
  • Fetal Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Fetal Monitoring / methods
  • Heart Rate, Fetal*
  • Humans
  • Pregnancy