Key result
Fetal echocardiography classifies fetal arrhythmias, which affect ~2% of pregnancies and can be life-threatening.
Provides a systematic ultrasound framework using simultaneous M-mode and pulsed Doppler to differentiate benign irregular fetal rhythms from potentially lethal bradycardias and tachycardias requiring multidisciplinary intervention.
Supports simultaneous M-mode or pulsed Doppler echocardiography for fetal arrhythmia evaluation; extends review evidence but leaves open prospective validation.
Fetal arrhythmias are not uncommon. The diagnosis of a fetal arrhythmia is challenging and normally requires referral for a detailed fetal echocardiogram. The first step in the ultrasound evaluation should be distinguishing whether the arrhythmia is an irregular rhythm, a bradycardia, or a tachycardia. This can be done by evaluating the arrhythmia using simultaneous atrial and ventricular M-mode or pulsed Doppler. Although the majority of fetal arrhythmias are self-limited and benign, some are potentially life-threatening for the fetus and for these cases a multidisciplinary approach to treatment may be required. Learning Objectives Know the different types of fetal arrhythmias Understand how fetal arrhythmias are diagnosed Know which fetal arrhythmias require treatment
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George Graham (2010) conducted a review in Fetal arrhythmias. Fetal echocardiography with simultaneous atrial and ventricular M-mode or pulsed Doppler was evaluated. Fetal arrhythmias occur in 1% to 3% of pregnancies (with 15% being life-threatening) and are evaluated using simultaneous atrial and ventricular M-mode or pulsed Doppler echocardiography.
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