The Fetal 3-Vessel Views: An Illustrative Case-Based Tutorial

J Ultrasound Med. 2019 Dec;38(12):3335-3347. doi: 10.1002/jum.15067. Epub 2019 Jun 17.

Abstract

In 2018, the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine revised its obstetric Practice Parameter for the second-trimester fetal anatomic survey. The 2018 Practice Parameter recommends incorporation of the 3-vessel view and 3-vessel and trachea view "if technically feasible." Sonographers and other medical providers may require additional training and education to develop greater proficiency in obtaining and interpreting these views. This pictorial essay, including ultrasound images alongside their respective schematic diagrams, provides an up-to-date, practical, and clinically oriented review of the 3-vessel view and 3-vessel and trachea view and their most common presentations in the context of congenital heart disease.

Keywords: 3-vessel view; congenital heart disease; fetal echocardiography; obstetrics.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aorta / diagnostic imaging*
  • Aorta / embryology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Pregnancy
  • Pulmonary Artery / diagnostic imaging*
  • Pulmonary Artery / embryology*
  • Trachea / diagnostic imaging*
  • Trachea / embryology*
  • Ultrasonography, Prenatal*
  • Vena Cava, Superior / diagnostic imaging*
  • Vena Cava, Superior / embryology*