Echocardiographic findings and pregnancy outcomes for fetuses with
complete closure of the ductus arteriosus
Abstract
[Abstract] Objective To analyze the echocardiographic
characteristics and pregnancy outcomes for fetuses with premature
complete closure of the fetal ductus arteriosus. Methods A
retrospective analysis was performed for 8 cases of premature ductus
arteriosus closure diagnosed by prenatal ultrasonography in the Hunan
Maternal and Child Health Hospital from July 2019 to August 2022, and
the characteristics of fetal echocardiography and pregnancy outcomes of
the 8 cases were analyzed and summarized. Results All 8 cases
of premature closure of ductus arteriosus were detected in the third
trimester. In all cases, the intima of the ductus arteriosus was
thickened and occluded, the ductus arteriosus could be seen with
slightly hyperecho, and no blood flow signal was found in the ductus
arteriosus by Doppler. The right heart was enlarged in 7 cases, and the
whole heart was enlarged in 1 case. Tricuspid valve regurgitation was
observed to different degrees, of which 7 cases were severe and 1 case
was moderate. The pulmonary arteries of 8 patients had varying degrees
of widening. Three of the 8 fetuses had a small amount of pericardial
effusion. All 8 cases were delivered by cesarean section, and one
newborn died after follow-up. The prognosis of the other newborns was
good. Conclusion The parameters of prenatal echocardiography
are helpful for the prognosis of fetuses with premature closure of the
ductus arteriosus. Early prenatal detection, close observation and
clinical guidance can be used to select the right time of delivery.