OBJECTIVE:

In this study indications, findings and results of fetal echocardiography performed in our department were evaluated.

MATERIALS and METHODS:

The records of fetal echocardiography findings, pregnancy and postpartum period were retrospectively evaluated in 208 patients and had fetal echocardiography who were in high risk for congenital heart diseases, in our department between May 2003-January 2007.

RESULTS:

The mean age of 208 patients was 21.8 and mean gestational age 25 weeks and 3 days. The two most common indications for fetal echocardiography were congenital heart disease in the family and suspicion of cardiac anomaly during routine ultrasonography; 88/208 (42.3%) and 43/208 (20.7%); respectively. Incidence of abnormal findings in fetal echocardiographic examination was 26.9% (56/208). While congenital heart disease ratio in patients with family history of congenital heart disease was 4.6% (4/88), it was 74.4% (32/43) in patients with suspicion of cardiac anomaly during routine ultrasonography.

DISCUSSION:

The most common request for fetal echocardiography was presence of congenital heart disease in the family. Routine prenatal ultrasonography has the most important role in detection of cardiac anomalies.

Keywords: fetal echocardiography, congenital heart diseases, prenatal diagnosis