HDlive Image of Fetal Endocardial Cushion Defect

Abstract

We present our first experience of constructing an image of a fetal endocardial cushion defect (ECD) employing HDlive at 21 weeks and 3 days of gestation. Conventional two-dimensional (2D) echocardiography showed an atrioventricular septal defect, bilateral ventricular hypertrophy and massive peri cardial effusion. Two-dimensional color Doppler ultrasound revealed atrioventricular valve regurgitation in systole. HDlive clearly demonstrated a glossy atrial septal defect, common atrioventricular valve and bilateral ventricular hypertrophy. Moreover, free, floating leaflets of the common atrioventricular valve not attached to the interventricular septum were suspected using HDlive. These findings suggested complete ECD with congestive heart failure. HDlive provided us with a new, realistic, and arguably much improved view of the complexities and interrelationships of intracardiac structures in a case of fetal ECD. HDlive may assist in the evaluation of fetal EDC, and offer potential advantages relative to conventional 2D fetal echocardiography.