Fetal arrhythmias

Abstract

This chapter will review the diagnosis and management of cardiac arrhythmias that may occur during fetal life. Abnormalities of cardiac rhythm can be accurately diagnosed during the prenatal period. Clinical detection of fetal rhythm abnormalities is important as these arrhythmias may cause fetal hemodynamic compromise, increasing the risk of in utero or postnatal demise of the affected fetus. Fetal rhythm abnormalities, particularly tachyarrhythmias, often respond positively to prenatal drug therapy with improved prognosis. Thus, precise assessment of the mechanism of the fetal rhythm disturbance is essential in order to determine appropriate medical therapy.