PREMATURE ATRIAL CONTRACTIONS - AN INDICA TION FOR FETAL ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY

The purpose of this study was to assess the incidence of congenital he art disease (CHD) in fetuses with premature atrial contractions (PAC) and to check whether these fetuses should be referred for a special fe tal echocardiogram. Out of 120 fetuses with PACs and 75 fetuses with C HD both conditions were present in only 9 fetuses (=7.5%). Two pregnan cies were terminated because of associated severe fetal anomalies. Aft er birth PACs disappeared in all other cases spontaneously. Despite hi gher numbers, the incidence of fetal CHD was not statistically signifi cant higher in fetuses with PACs. Thus, recognition of fetal PACs shou ld lead to a referral for a special fetal echocardiographic examinatio n.