Objective: To provide a basis for evaluating the prognosis of small left heart system development in fetuses, we analyzed its related factors.
Methods: The fetal echocardiogram was performed in 3859 pregnant women, and then small left heart system development was identified in 69 fetuses. The data of prenatal and postnatal echocardiograms, postnatal cardiac surgical treatment, chromosome and autopsy after induced labor were analyzed in the 69 fetuses.
Results: Except 1320 cases losing follow-up, 2539 cases had complete data. Among the 2539 cases, small left heart system development was identified in 69 fetuses. Of the 69 fetuses, 12 had hypoplastic left heart syndrome, 20 premature closure of foramen ovale, 13 total anomalous pulmonary venous drainage, 2 common pulmonary vein lumen atresia, 21 aortic coarctation or interruption and 1 right pulmonary hypoplasia. Among the 69 fetuses, chromosome abnormality was found in 7.
Conclusion: There are many etiological factors causing small left heart system development. The prognosis is poor in the fetuses with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, common pulmonary vein lumen atresia, pulmonary hypoplasia, other malformations or/and chromosome abnormality. Fetal echocardiography combined with chromosome examination can provide important bases for making diagnosis and evaluating the prognosis regarding small left heart system development.
Keywords: Chromosome abnormality; echocardiogram; fetus; prenatal diagnosis; small left heart system development.