Scientific background: Cardiac abnormalities are a cause of extensive morbidity and mortality. Most countries regularly perform screening tests for cardiac abnormalities at weeks 18-20, with prenatal abnormality detection rate of approximately 45% - 60%. In some abnormalities such as left hypoplastic heart syndrome, TGA, and aortic coarctation, early diagnosis might lower the postnatal morbidity and mortality.
Objectives: The main goal is to evaluate the agreement between the prenatal and postnatal diagnosis of fetal cardiovascular abnormalities.
Working hypothesis: US is operator dependent and can be challenging in pregnancy, as it depends on the habitus of the mother and the position of the embryo. It’s also hard to properly evaluate the fine structures and flows of the heart, and give an accurate diagnosis. After birth we have more precision, advanced tools, therefore we assume there’s a difference between the diagnoses done in the prenatal and postnatal stages.
Methods: Retrospective study which will extract data from patients’ medical charts who applied to genetic counseling between the years 2011-2016 due to a suspected fetal cardiac abnormality, 100 cases altogether. The results of the prenatal diagnosis will be compared to the results of the postnatal diagnosis, whether it was diagnosed by an ultrasound scan, heart echo or other modalities done after birth. The study group will include patients in pregnancy weeks 15-40, single and twin pregnancies and both fetal genders.
Clinical significance: Today’s diagnostic abilities are limited in their precision. We would like to understand the nature of those limitations in order to enhance decision making during pregnancy management, prevent unnecessary pregnancy terminations, and be able to provide the parents with more accurate information.
