Harmonic imaging in fetal echocardiography

Noncontrast harmonic imaging (RI) has been shown to improve image quality i n adults with poor acoustic windows. The utility of fetal echocardiography may be limited by suboptimal acoustic windows, and the use of HI in fetal e chocardiography has not previously been defined. The purpose of this study was to compare the quality of fundamental imaging (R) and HI in fetal echoc ardiography. Sixty-two fetal echocardiograms, including 44 (71%) with limit ed acoustic windows, were performed with the use of FI and M. Image quality and visualization of the ventricles, valves, and the aortic and ductal arc hes were evaluated and compared between FI and M. Mean HI scores were highe r than mean FI scores for all the structures evaluated. Compared with FI, H I improved the image quality and visualization of cardiac structures in thi s group of fetuses with predominantly suboptimal acoustic windows. Harmonic imaging is a useful adjunct to FI in echocardiography, and the benefits of HI extend to cardiac imaging in the fetus.