Aneurysms of the Fetal Heart

Zusammenfassung

Aneurysmatische Wandausstülpungen ventrikulärer/atrialer Strukturen oder der kardialen Auslassgefäße sind seltene fetale Anomalien. Die pränatale Diagnose wird in der Regel durch detaillierte echokardiografische Untersuchung des Fetalherzens gestellt. Bei der Mehrzahl dieser angeborenen Fehlbildungen handelt es sich um Störungen in der Embryonalentwicklung der Herzanlage und der abgehenden Gefäße. Die meisten betroffenen Feten zeigen einen unauffälligen Verlauf der Fetalperiode. Assoziierte Fehlbildungen betreffen sowohl kardiale als auch extrakardiale Malformationen mit potenziell Prognose bestimmendem Einfluss auf die vorgeburtliche, perinatale und frühkindliche Entwicklung. Die Therapieausrichtung sollte individuell angepasst werden und sich an der Ausprägung der klinischen Symptomatik orientieren.

Abstract

Aneurysmatic bulgings of either ventricular/atrial structures or outflow tract vessels such as the ductus arteriosus are rare prenatal conditions. Prenatal diagnosis is confirmed by detailed echocardiographic examination of the fetal heart. The majority of these congenital abnormalities are probably related to developmental disorders. Most of the affected fetuses display an asymptomatic course antenatally and postnatally. Associated anomalies include additional cardiac and extracardiac malformations with potential impact on normal development in fetal and neonatal life as well as early childhood. Treatment considerations have to be individually specified and depend on the presence and severity of clinical issues.

Key words

heart - echocardiography - ultrasound 2D - ultrasound Doppler - fetus

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