Routine Use of Color Doppler in Fetal Heart Scanning in a Low-Risk Population

Abstract EN

Objectives.

To investigate the detection rate of major fetal heart defects in a low-risk population implementing routine use of color Doppler.

Material and Methods.

In a prospective observational study, all women undergoing fetal heart scanning (including 6781 routine examinations in the second trimester) during a three-year period were included.

First a gray-scale scanning was performed including assessment of the four-chamber view and the great vessels.

Thereafter three cross-sectional planes through the fetal thorax were assessed with color Doppler.

Results.

Thirty-nine fetuses had major heart defects, and 26 (67%) were prenatally detected.

In 9/26 (35%) of cases the main ultrasound finding was related to the use of color Doppler.

The survival rate of live born children was 91%.

Conclusions.

Routine use of color Doppler in fetal heart scanning in a low-risk population may be helpful in the detection of major heart defects; however, still severe malformations were missed prenatally.