Prenatal ultrasonic diagnosis of fetal persistent left and absent right superior vena cava / 中国医学影像技术

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate characteristics and value of prenatal ultrasound in diagnosing persistent left and absent right superior vena cava.Methods Ultrasonic data of 8 fetuses with persistent left and absent right superior vena cava were retrospectively analyzed.Ultrasonic findings of persistent left and absent right superior vena cava and other complicated anomalies were observed,and the outcomes were followed up.Results The ultrasonic characteristics of persistent left and absent right superior vena cava included a vessel which could be seen on the left of pulmonary artery on three vessel-trachea view draining into the dilated coronary sinus,and right superior vena cava was absent.With combined spatio-temporal image correlation (STIC) and high definition flow (HDF) technique,the spatial relationship of the left superior vena cava,aorta and pulmonary artery could be observed.Dilated coronary sinus was found in all 8 fetuses,other congenital heart defects were detected in 5 fetuses,and extracardiac anomaly was found in 1 fetus.Conclusion Persistent left and absent right superior vena cava and complicated anomalies can be accurately diagnosed with prenatal ultrasound.Dilated coronary sinus is an important clue for prenatal ultrasonic diagnosis.