Echocardiographic characteristics and pregnant outcome in fetuses with complete closure of the ductus arteriosus

Objective To explore the echocardiographic features and pregnant outcomes in fetuses with complete closure of the ductus arteriosus (DA). Methods The echocardiographic data and follow-up materials were retrospectively reviewed in 28 605 fetuses. Of all the fetuses, 6 fetuses had complete closure of the DA. The echocardiographic features and pregnant outcomes of the 6 fetuses with complete closure of the DA were summarized. Results Of all the 6 fetuses, 4 cases were found in the third trimester and 2 cases in the second trimester. There was no the lumen of the DA in the three vessel view on the two dimensional echocardiography, demonstrating the line-like low echogenicity in the DA area. No DA flow signal was found on the color and spectral Doppler imaging. Four cases had dilated right heart.Six cases had thickened wall of the right ventricle (WRV), and hypokinetic motion of the WRV. Moderate to severe tricuspid regurgitation were found in 5 cases and disappeared or reversal a-wave of the ductus venosus were found in 5 cases. The mild pericardial effusion was found in 2 cases. Of all the 6 cases, 4 cases were delivered by cesarean section and the echocardiographic findings were unremarkable at the follow-up of six months. Conclusions Intrauterine complete closure of the DA can be accurately diagnosed by fetal echocardiograph in the 2-3 trimesters. If indicated, elective delivery results in good outcome.