Fetal Echocardiography: Prenatal Cardiac Diagnosis

In this section, I will introduce the standard fetal echocardiographic views, which are the foundation of fetal cardiac examination. The transabdominal transverse view and the four-chamber view are explained in detail, together with a systematic approach to determining fetal situs and cardiac position. Situs abnormalities, primary and secondary dextrocardia, and the relationship of the heart within the thorax are discussed. In addition, the characteristic findings of atrial and ventricular septal defects (ASDs and VSDs), abnormal cardiac chamber enlargement, cardiomyopathies, atrioventricular valve dysplasia, intracardiac masses, and echogenic intracardiac foci are reviewed. The section also highlights the standard imaging views that facilitate the prenatal diagnosis of the most common congenital heart diseases.

In this section, I will continue discussing the standard fetal echocardiographic views, which form the cornerstone of fetal cardiac evaluation. I will also explain which standard views are most useful for the diagnosis of specific structural congenital heart diseases, highlighting the optimal imaging planes for accurate prenatal detection. Particular emphasis is placed on aortic arch abnormalities, especially coarctation of the aorta and interrupted aortic arch, which are discussed in detail, including their key sonographic findings and practical diagnostic approach.

In this section, the prenatal diagnosis of major congenital heart diseases is presented through a systematic, case-based approach. Real clinical cases are used to demonstrate the key echocardiographic findings and diagnostic strategies for hypoplastic left heart syndrome, atrioventricular septal defects, anomalous pulmonary venous connections, D-transposition of the great arteries (D-TGA), congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries (C-TGA), and tetralogy of Fallot. The emphasis is placed on recognizing the characteristic standard imaging views that facilitate accurate and efficient prenatal diagnosis in routine fetal echocardiographic practice.

In this section, I will continue discussing complex congenital heart diseases and their prenatal diagnosis. Using a systematic, case-based approach, real clinical videos demonstrate the key echocardiographic findings and practical diagnostic strategies for pulmonary atresia, double outlet right ventricle (DORV), double outlet left ventricle (DOLV), tricuspid atresia, and truncus arteriosus. Special emphasis is placed on the standard fetal echocardiographic views that facilitate accurate and efficient prenatal diagnosis of these complex cardiac malformations in routine clinical practice.

In this section, I will provide a comprehensive yet practical overview of fetal arrhythmias. We will discuss the different types of fetal arrhythmias, their underlying mechanisms, and the most effective methods for rhythm assessment. Particular emphasis will be placed on the practical use of M-mode and pulsed-wave Doppler echocardiography for the systematic evaluation of fetal rhythm disorders. Using a simple, step-by-step approach supported by real clinical examples, you will learn how to recognize common fetal arrhythmias, differentiate their subtypes, and establish an accurate prenatal diagnosis with confidence.

In this video, the proper technique for using the ultrasound probe is first demonstrated, followed by fetal situs determination and a systematic explanation of the fundamental standard fetal echocardiographic views.

In this video, fetal situs is determined using a simple and practical approach, followed by a systematic demonstration and explanation of the fundamental standard fetal echocardiographic views. In addition, the method for fetal rhythm assessment is demonstrated.

In this video, fetal situs is determined using a simple and practical approach, followed by a step-by-step demonstration and explanation of the fundamental standard fetal echocardiographic views.