Fetal cardiac measurements derived by transvaginal and transabdominal cross-sectional echocardiography from 14 weeks of gestation to term

Objective Most of the routine ultrasound screening in our institution consi sts of early transvaginal examinations at 14-17 weeks. Complete fetal echoc ardiography is performed in every case. However, normal values for most fet al cardiac structures at this stage of gestation are not available. Our aim was to construct normal ranges for fetal cardiac structures, derived fi om cross-sectional echocardiography, at 14-40 weeks of gestation. Design A prospective study was performed The study group consisted of 637 p regnant women referred for a routine sonographic examination. Women with ab normal prenatal or postnatal outcome were not included in the study. Transv aginal examinations were used for 14-17 weeks of gestation. More advanced p regnancies were examined transabdominally. Results We constructed normal ranges for the left and right end-diastolic t ransverse ventricular diameters (n = 637), left/right ventricular ratio (n = 637), aortic root diameter (n = 637) pulmonary artery diameter (n = 637), aortic/pulmonary ratio (n = 490), left and right transverse atrial diamete rs (n=201) and left/right atrial ratio (n = 201). Conclusions The results provide the eh examiner with normal ranges for feta l cardiac structures for the early transvaginal examination. The continuity of all curves from 14 to 40 weeks of gestation allows follow-up of any spe cific fetus to term.