Clinical significance of constriction of the fetal ductus arteriosus diagnosed by echocardiography / 中华超声影像学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To explore clinical significance of constriction of fetal ductus arteriosus diagnosed by echocardiography.Methods Seventy-one cases with constriction of fetal ductus arteriosus (DA) and one fetus with premature closure of DA were detected by fetal echocardiography among 2380 singleton fetuses.The echocardiographic characteristics and clinical outcomes were reviewed and analyzed.Results Of 71 cases with constriction of fetal DA,58 cases were found with right heart enlargement,12 cases with tricuspid regurgitation,8 cases with arrhythmia and 1 case with pericardial effusion.The echocardiographic characteristics showed narrowed diameter of DA,dilatation of pulmonary artery and descending aorta was also noted,DA was markedly curved.The peak systolic velocity(PSV) and enddiastolic velocity(EDV) in the ductus arteriosus measured by pulsed Doppler echocardiography increased (PSV≥ 180 cm/s,EDV≥35 cm/s).All cases were confirmed normal by neonate echocardiography.Conclusions Prenatal echocardiography plays important role in diagnosis of constriction of fetal DA.Early diagnosis and intimate follow-up can direct clinician to offer suitable consultation for parents and management for fetuses.