Fetal Cardiac Function

Abstract

Assessment of cardiac function in an integral part of the assessment of the fetal circulation. Cardiac dysfunction can be assessed by standard echocardiographic modalities including 2D, M-mode and Doppler echocardiography. Other techniques may enhance quantification of cardiac function, particularly in a research setting, including tissue Doppler, 3D echocardiography and speckle tracking. Most recently fetal cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) has been applied to the fetal circulation to measure regional blood flow. Accurate measurement of fetal cardiac function can enhance understanding of cardiac dysfunction in the context of structural defects, cardiomyopathies and abnormalities of fetal cardiac loading conditions.