| Echocardiography (ultrasound
examination of the heart) allows a cardiologist to examine the
structure, function,
and blood flow of the heart without the use of x-ray. Echocardiography
is performed by using a soft plastic wand (an echo-transducer) to
emit sound waves onto the chest or abdomen. Sound waves pass safely
through the body and their “echos” are interpreted by
an advanced computerized system. Echocardiography can be used to
detect heart defects and to see how well the heart functions.
Fetal echocardiography is performed during
pregnancy to evaluate the structure, function, and heart rhythm
of the fetus. While your
obstetrician may have already obtained limited heart images during
a routine ultrasound, the fetal echocardiogram provides more detailed
information about your baby’s heart. The echo-transducer
is placed on the mother’s abdomen and passes sound waves
safely through the fetus. The “echos” of these sound
waves allow evaluation of the fetal heart.
Fetal echocardiography can be performed after 17
weeks of gestation. It is reserved for pregnancies at an increased
risk of congenital
cardiac disease. These may include:
- a family history of congenital heart disease (see congenital
heart disease)
- an abnormal heart rhythm during a routine obstetrical examination
- heart abnormalities detected during a routine obstetrical ultrasound
- abnormalities of other major organ systems associated with
heart disease
- insulin-dependent (type I) diabetes mellitus
- exposure to certain drugs during pregnancy (for example some
anti-epileptic medications)
- abnormal amniocentesis (including trisomy 21)
What to Expect
The standard echocardiogram is a safe and painless procedure lasting
approximately 20 minutes. For frightened or uncooperative children,
a separate appointment can be scheduled to perform the ultrasound
study under light sedation, but this is rarely required. Under
special circumstances (usually in the operating room) a very small
transducer can be passed via the esophagus into the stomach to
allow closer examination of the heart. This procedure is called
transesophogeal echocardiography.
|
