Role of fetal echocardiography in the management of isolated fetal heart block with ventricular rate <55 bpm

Gautam K. Singh, Joseph B. Shumway, Erol Amon, Cynthia J. Marino, Soraya Nouri, Hung N. Winn

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

7 Scopus citations

Abstract

Persistent bradycardia is an uncommon cardiac problem in fetuses but carries a high mortality in those with a ventricular rate <55 bpm. Fetal heart block is one of the most common causes of persistent fetal bradycardia (PFB). An optimal method for assessing and monitoring cardiovascular compensation in the setting of PFB due to heart block has not been fully established. We report the application of two-dimensional and Doppler echocardiography in close monitoring of cardiac function and hemodynamics in a third-trimester fetus with a ventricular rate <55 bpm due to heart block, which assisted in successful management of the pregnancy to term. Hemodynamic and cardiac adaptive changes in compromised fetuses, particularly due to heart block, are discussed.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)661-668
Number of pages8
JournalAmerican journal of perinatology
Volume15
Issue number12
DOIs
StatePublished - 1998

Keywords

  • Fetal bradycardia
  • Fetal circulation
  • Fetal echocardiography
  • Fetal heart block

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Role of fetal echocardiography in the management of isolated fetal heart block with ventricular rate <55 bpm'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this