-The objective of this paper is to determine whether color and pulsed Doppler of the
splenic artery is helpful in the prenatal diagnosis of polysplenia or asplenia in
heterotaxic syndromes. Over a 3-year period, localization of the splenic artery by
color and pulsed Doppler was attempted on all fetuses with the diagnosis of heterotaxic
syndromes. Postnatal follow-up was obtained on all neonates. The diagnosis of heterotaxic
syndromes was performed on eight fetuses during the study period. Mean gestational
age at diagnosis was 20.1 weeks. All fetuses had situs ambiguous and complex cardiac
abnormalities. All pregnancies were managed expectantly and none were terminated.
The splenic artery was imaged by color and pulsed Doppler in 6 of 8 fetuses, all with
one or multiple spleens confirmed postnatally. The splenic artery could not be imaged
in two fetuses, both with asplenia confirmed postnatally. The perinatal mortality
rate was 88% (7 of 8) and the one surviving infant is currently alive and well at
3 years of age. Color and pulsed Doppler of the splenic artery can aid in the prenatal
diagnosis of heterotaxic syndromes. This information is of value and should result
in improved prenatal counseling and management of affected pregnancies.
Splenic artery - color Doppler - heterotaxic syndrome - polysplenia - asplenia
