Key result
Obstetric ultrasound successfully detects tetralogy of Fallot in only 30% to 60% of cases, highlighting the need for improved sonographer skill and expertise in prenatal diagnosis.
Why the study?
Prenatal diagnosis of tetralogy of Fallot improves neonatal outcomes, but ultrasound detects it in only 30% to 60% of cases, partly due to lack of sonographer skill and expertise.
How can obstetric ultrasound imaging protocols and sonographic appearances be utilized to improve the prenatal diagnosis of Tetralogy of Fallot?
How can obstetric ultrasound imaging protocols and sonographic appearances be utilized to improve the prenatal diagnosis of Tetralogy of Fallot?
Answers are grounded in this paper and cite their sources.
This review highlights the need for improved sonographer skills and imaging protocols to increase the prenatal detection rate of Tetralogy of Fallot, which currently stands at 30-60%.
Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is a congenital heart defect (CHD) found in 1 of 3600 live births and represents 3.5% to 7% of all CHD's in infants. TOF is characterised by a ventricular septal defect (VSD), overriding aorta astride of the VSD and pulmonary stenosis or atresia with or without right ventricular hypertrophy. It is well documented that prenatal diagnosis of TOF improves neonatal outcomes; however, ultrasound successfully detects it in only 30% to 60% of cases. Lack of skill and expertise by sonographers has been cited as a contributing factor to the relatively poor prenatal detection rates of TOF. This literature review was performed to provide a comprehensive resource for sonographers with the aim of improving awareness and understanding of the prenatal diagnosis of TOF with obstetric ultrasound. Emphasis has been placed on imaging protocols, sonographic appearances of TOF, and technological and best practice advancements in fetal cardiac ultrasound.
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Christopher Reeves (2019) conducted a review in Tetralogy of Fallot. Obstetric ultrasound was evaluated. Obstetric ultrasound successfully detects tetralogy of Fallot in only 30% to 60% of cases, highlighting the need for improved sonographer skill and expertise in prenatal diagnosis.
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