Fetal echocardiography was initially used to detect structural anomalies, but has more recently also been proposed to assess fetal cardiac function. Functional echocardiography has been demonstrated to select high-risk populations and has been seen to have an effect on the outcome of several fetal conditions. Because of the small size and high heart rate and the restricted access away from the transducer, cardiovascular parameters should be validated but used with caution in the fetus. This special issue on fetal cardiac function is a collection of review and original articles showing several potential clinical and research applications of functional echocardiography in intrauterine growth restriction, twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome, congenital heart disease and aneuploides. The insights provided show that fetal cardiac function assessment is a promising tool that may soon be incorporated into clinical practice to diagnose, monitor or predict outcome in some fetal conditions. Therefore, this special issue on 'fetal cardiac function' provides valuable reading for clinicians and researchers in fetal medicine and cardiology who are interested in the fetal heart.

This practical book describes a systematic approach to the ultrasound examination of the fetal heart based on accepted screening recommendations. The written content is enhanced by images and videos of both normal and abnormal sonographic findings. Fetal Cardiology: A Practical Approach to Diagnosis and Management goes further than simply describing core screening views. It includes extended views of the fetal heart, the use of Doppler techniques and assessment of fetal cardiac function. “Variants” which can be encountered in practice are described as well as the features of the major groups of cardiac abnormalities and fetal arrhythmias. Because the authors include experienced fetal and paediatric cardiologists, the focus is not only on diagnostic features but also the approach to postnatal care and prognosis. This content is enhanced by inclusion of chapters relating to associated fetal abnormalities, the genetics of congenital heart disease and new imaging modalities such as MRI of the fetal heart. The book equips all those using ultrasound to image the fetus with a clear concise reference to meet the challenge of new guidelines and to expand their knowledge of complementary echocardiographic techniques and management. It details why prenatal recognition of congenital heart disease is being prioritised to allow for parental choice, recognition of associated abnormalities and improvement of postnatal outcome. As such, this book will be important for all professionals, whether they be a cardiologist, fetal medicine specialist, sonographer or midwife.

Echocardiography is essential in the practice of pediatric cardiology. A clinical pediatric cardiologist is expected to be adept at the non-invasive diagnosis of congenital heart disease and those who plan to specialize in echocardiography will need to have knowledge of advanced techniques. Echocardiography in Pediatric and Congenital Heart Disease addresses the needs of trainees and practitioners in this field, filling a void caused by the lack of material in this fast-growing area. This new title comprehensively covers the echocardiographic assessment of congenital heart disease, from the fetus to the adult, plus acquired heart disease in children. Topics covered include: ultrasound physics laboratory set-up a protocol for a standard pediatric echocardiogram quantitative methods of echocardiographic evaluation, including assessment of diastolic function in depth coverage of congenital cardiovascular malformations acquired pediatric heart disease topics of special interest, such as 3D echocardiography, transesophageal echocardiography, and fetal echocardiography The approach of this book is a major advancement for educational materials in the field of pediatric cardiology, and greatly enhances the experience for the reader. An accompanying DVD with moving images of the subjects covered in the textbook will further enhance the learning experience.

This is an advanced clinical text, extensively illustrated with color as well as black-and-white photographs, on the techniques of Doppler investigation in the analysis of early pregnancy and study of the fetal venous circulation. It also covers diagnostic criteria for fetal cardiac disease and how complications of pregnancy such as post-term pregnancy, fetal growth retardation, fetal anemia, diabetes, and non-immune hydrops affect the fetal cardiovascular system. As Dr. J.C. Hobbins, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, says in his preface, The wealth of quality information that has been beautifully chronicled in this book has provided new insights into fetal physiology and the circulatory dynamics of various fetal conditions. . . . a very useful resource for the clinician and a spark for young investigators to pursue further some brand new concepts that have been touched upon in every chapter.

This simple and easy-to-use guide to fetal echocardiography will help physicians and sonographers obtain a complete evaluation of the normal and abnormal fetal heart. The book is written in a user-friendly style and thoroughly illustrated with ultrasound images accompanied by schematic drawings. This edition presents a comprehensive approach to the examination of the fetal heart and covers all major cardiac malformations. Chapters include color Doppler in fetal echocardiography, three-dimensional ultrasound in fetal echocardiography, first and early second trimester imaging of the fetal heart, and an updated genetics section. This book, written by internationally recognized experts in fetal echocardiography, is a must-have for physicians and sonographers interested in this field.

Clearly presents the pathology of heart disease from fetus to adolescence, integrating histology and macroscopy with effects of treatment.

A fully updated and illustrated handbook providing comprehensive coverage of all curriculum areas covered by the MRCOG Part 1 examination.