Echocardiographic characteristics and pregnant outcome in fetuses with complete closure of the ductus arteriosus / 中华超声影像学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To explore the echocardiographic features and pregnant outcomes in fetuses with complete closure of the ductus arteriosus ( DA) . Methods The echocardiographic data and follow-up materials were retrospectively reviewed in 28605 fetuses . Of all the fetuses ,6 fetuses had complete closure of the DA . The echocardiographic features and pregnant outcomes of the 6 fetuses with complete closure of the DA were summarized . Results Of all the 6 fetuses ,4 cases were found in the third trimester and 2 cases in the second trimester . There was no the lumen of the DA in the three vessel view on the two dimensional echocardiography ,demonstrating the line-like low echogenicity in the DA area . No DA flow signal was found on the color and spectral Doppler imaging . Four cases had dilated right heart .Six cases had thickened wall of the right ventricle ( WRV ) ,and hypokinetic motion of the WRV . Moderate to severe tricuspid regurgitation were found in 5 cases and disappeared or reversal a-wave of the ductus venosus were found in 5 cases . The mild pericardial effusion was found in 2 cases . Of all the 6 cases ,4 cases were delivered by cesarean section and the echocardiographic findings were unremarkable at the follow -up of six months . Conclusions Intrauterine complete closure of the DA can be accurately diagnosed by fetal echocardiograph in the 2-3 trimesters . If indicated ,elective delivery results in good outcome .