o_1977r8vv9vk1ts2ms0kd8pksa.pdf

92 R. Chaoui, K.D. Kalache
Fig. 7.16. Three-dimensional PDU of a normal four-chamber
view (left) with right and left atria (RA, LA), right and
left ventricles (RV, LV), and the aortic root. In comparison
with the right side, there is a muscular ventricular septal
defect (VSD) connecting both ventricles
Fig. 7.17. Three-dimensional PDU of a four-chamber view
in a fetus with a hypoplastic left heart syndrome. Blood
flow enters from the right atrium (RA) into the right ventricle
(RV), but no flow is seen within the left ventricle (LV).
LA left atrium
their risk of cardiac failure due to the presence of arteriovenous
fistulae, but also to assess compression
or shifting of neighboring organs. Table 7.6 gives a
summary of these fields of interest.
Heart and Great Vessels
Fig. 7.18. Aortic arch with the origin of the cephalic vessels:
the innominate (brachiocephalic) artery; the left common
carotid artery (LCC); and the left subclavian artery (LS)
The 3D rendering of the heart and the great vessels is
still a challenge to fetal ultrasound. Reliable volumes
are still difficult to obtain under routine scan conditions.
According to our experience we think that 3D
PDU can be helpful in fetal cardiology in the near future
and might facilitate the assessment of spatial arrangement
of the heart chambers including their size
and shape (Figs. 7.16, 7.17) as we demonstrate in
some of the figures in this chapter. Another possible
application field is an easier assessment of the course
of the great vessels (Fig. 7.18). Crossing of vessels vs
parallel course (Fig. 7.19), abnormal course as seen
in double aortic arch, right arch with a sling, or simply
tortuous hypoplastic aorta or pulmonary artery