Atresia or absence of the left-sided atrioventricular connection in the fetus: echocardiographic diagnosis and outcome

Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol. 1996 Nov;8(5):295-302. doi: 10.1046/j.1469-0705.1996.08050295.x.

Abstract

Our objective was to describe the appearance of atresia of the left-sided atrioventricular valve on the four-chamber view of the fetal heart. Twenty-four cases of atresia of the left-sided atrioventricular connection were detected over a 2-year period. Cases were analyzed according to the appearance of the four-chamber view and the connections of the great arteries. All cases were referred because the left-sided ventricle was smaller than the right. There were five different groups of cardiac anomaly detected. Associated findings varied according to the diagnostic group. It was concluded that it is possible to identify atresia of the left-sided atrioventricular connection accurately during obstetric ultrasound examination by evaluation of the four-chamber view. However, the appearance of this view varies with the diagnosis. Each diagnostic group has different implications in terms of associated extracardiac malformations and postnatal management.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Echocardiography
  • Female
  • Fetal Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Fetal Diseases / pathology
  • Fetal Heart / abnormalities
  • Fetal Heart / diagnostic imaging
  • Heart Septal Defects, Ventricular / diagnostic imaging*
  • Humans
  • Mitral Valve* / abnormalities
  • Mitral Valve* / diagnostic imaging
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Outcome*
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Ultrasonography, Prenatal*