11/10/2025
A high-resolution ultrasound machine is crucial for first-trimester fetal heart screening because its advanced technology enables the visualization of detailed cardiac structures that might otherwise be missed. It allows for the assessment of the heart's position, the four-chamber view, and the great vessels (aorta and pulmonary artery) in the first trimester, which can lead to early detection of potential congenital heart defects (CHDs). This early diagnosis facilitates better planning for postnatal care and can significantly improve outcomes for the infant.
Role in early screening--
Detailed visualization: High-resolution technology provides clearer and more detailed images, making it easier to identify small or subtle abnormalities that may not be visible on standard equipment.
Early detection of anomalies: It allows for the detection of significant CHDs during the first trimester, enabling early intervention and care planning.
Assessing basic cardiac structure: A detailed diagnostic scan can assess the heart's position and axis, and the four-chamber view with and without color Doppler to see blood flow. The three-vessel and trachea view can also be evaluated.
Improving accuracy: While not all CHDs can be detected in the first trimester, a high-resolution scan, particularly in high-risk pregnancies, has been shown to have high sensitivity and specificity for detecting a significant portion of major cardiac abnormalities.
Benefits of early detection
Improved planning: Knowing about a potential defect early allows healthcare providers to plan for delivery in a specialized center and prepare the necessary medical and surgical care.
Informing prognosis: Identifying the type of defect and potential associated genetic abnormalities helps in providing a more accurate prognosis to the parents.
Potential for fetal treatment: In some cases, early identification may open up the possibility of in-utero treatment options.
โ๏ธpresent case-- primi came for second opinion after raised NT and low risk in NIPT, 86 mm CRL.
On careful examination abnormal 4 chamber heart (small right cardiac chambers) , no flow across TV, abnormal 3 VT -- which suggests a complex cardiac diffect ( ?hypoplastic right heart syndrome) , warrants an early detailed fetal echocardiography.
NT NB beyond NT and NB!!