CHSJ

Curr Health Sci J, vol. 35, no. 4, 2009

Screening for Cardiac Anomalies During the Early Second Trimester (as part of the Triple/combined Test Ultrasound) – Accomplishments and Limits

[Original paper]

A. COMANESCU(1), N. CERNEA(1), S. TUDORACHE(1), D. ILIESCU(1), R. CAPITANESCU(1), C. OPREA(1)


(1)Department of Obstetrics and-Gynecology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Emergency University Hospital, Craiova


Abstract:

Part of the SONOSEROSCREEN PROJECT , we study at the beginning of the first trimester a group of biochemical and ultrasound variables. Regardless the results obtained, all the patients enrolled in this cohort is subject to a second study in the early second trimester that encompasses the dosage of AFP, iA, ?-hCG, uE3 an an ultrasound exam targeted at precise biometry and fetal morphology. We tried to evaluate the achievable accomplishments and limits of fetal heart evaluation at 16-20 weeks ultrasound. We evaluated the heart ( four chambers and great vessels) at all patients that came for the early second trimester evaluation (stage II of our study). All patients were reassessed at 24 weeks. Correct heart scanning is possible at the triple test ultrasound (16 – 20 weeks), but needs an experienced sonographer, who masters the Color Doppler, patients and a high end ultrasound machine.


Keywords: Echocardiography, fetal heart, triple test



Corresponding: A. Comanescu, MD, PhD Candidate, Department of Obstetrics and-Gynecology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Str Petru Rares nr. 4, 200456, Craiova, Dolj, RomAnia, mail: alexcom8000@yahoo.com


DOI 10.12865/CHSJ.35.04.06 - Download PDF
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