Chinese Journal of Ultrasonography 2009;18(11):960-962

doi:10.3760/cma.j.issn.1004-4477.2009.11.016

Echocardiographic evaluation of persistent left superior vena cava in fetus

Weimiao YAO ; Jiale QIN ; Junmei WANG ; Yuan LI ; Lulu ZHOU ; Yue QIAN ; Hong LU ; Jing HE

Keywords

Ultrasonography; prenatal; Persistent left superior vena cava

Country

China

Language

Chinese

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the ultrasonic feature and clinical significance of persistent left superior vena cava(PLSVC)in fetal life.Methods Fetal echocardiography was performed in 3368 fetuses.Thirty-one fetuses of PLSVC were confirmed.Results The dilated coronary sinus was observed in 30 of 31 fetuses.Congenital heart defects were presented in 14 of these cases,and extracardiac anomalies were presented in 6 fetuses.Both congenital heart defects and extracardiac anomalies were observed in 4 fetuses.Conclusions PLSVC is always associated with congenital heart defects.The prognosis Of affected fetuses largely depends on whether or not the PLSVC is associated with a congenital heart defect.Prenatal diagnosis of PLSVC can help US plan perinatal counseling and ameliorate the postnatal course.