Study of Fetal Echocardiography in Pregnant Women at Risk of Having a baby with Congenital Heart Anomalies in Port Said, Egypt

Introduction: congenital heart abnormalities are 30% of all cardiac conditions with significant infant death rate. Fetal echocardiography (FE) is effective in detecting congenital heart disease (CHD) and essential part of routine prenatal careObjectives: To determine the prevalence of congenital heart anomalies by FE among high-risk pregnant women in Port Saied Governorate, EgyptMaterials and methods: The study included 298 pregnant women with CHD risk at 18 weeks of gestation or more referred for FE. Risk factors for CHD included a previous child with CHD, maternal insulin-dependent diabetes, or a CHD family history, increased nuchal translucency greater than 2.5 mm between 11 and 14 weeks of gestation, the presence of another congenital anomaly and exposure to teratogenic medications in early pregnancy. Results: The study revealed that the prevalence of fetal CHD was 14.43%: atrial septal defect was 32.56%, tetralogy of Fallot was 18.60%, pulmonary stenos was 13.95%, atrioventricular septal defect was 6.98%, double outlet right ventricle was 4.65%, hypoplastic left heart syndrome 4.65%, transposition of the great arteries was 4.65%, and single ventricle was 2.33%. A statistically significant higher percentage of fetuses with nuchal translucency greater than 2.5 mm was observed in the CHD group compared with the normal group (p=.047).Conclusion: The study reported a CHD prevalence was 14.43%, with atrial septal defect and tetralogy of Fallot being the most common. Follow-up imaging between 18–22 weeks of gestation is essential for optimal detection. Early diagnosis of severe malformations can reduce postnatal complications, improve survival, and neurodevelopmental outcomes.