Credit Information
Credit Type
* AMA PRA Category 1™
Number of Credits
3
Course Overview
Fetal right heart enlargement refers to the abnormal enlargement of the right side of the fetal heart, which can indicate underlying cardiovascular conditions or abnormalities. This course focuses on understanding the causes, diagnosis, and management of right heart enlargement in the fetus, using advanced ultrasound imaging techniques such as echocardiography and Doppler. Key conditions linked to right heart enlargement, including pulmonary hypertension, fetal arrhythmias, and congenital heart defects, are also discussed. Understanding the clinical implications of right heart enlargement helps in prenatal counseling and planning for optimal neonatal care. This course is essential for clinicians involved in fetal cardiology and obstetrics.
Course Objectives
After completing this activity, the participant will:
Part 1:
Describe the 3 congenital tricuspid valve defects resulting in right heart dilation in the fetus and how to differentiate them on fetal echo.
Name 2 associated findings with Ebstein’s anomaly and the arrhythmias they can cause.
Explain reasons for the poor prognosis for severe tricuspid insufficiency in the fetus.
Part 2:
List the 4 causes of right heart dilation in the fetus with a structurally normal tricuspid valve
Describe the features of premature ductal constriction
Describe the etiologies and management of ductal constriction
Describe the features of right heart failure in the fetus.
Differentiate valvar pulmonary stenosis from absent pulmonary valve syndrome
Part 3:
Describe the diagnostic approach to differentiate coarctation of the aorta from other defects causing right heart enlargement
Explain why growth restriction results in right heart enlargement
Explain the etiology of twin to twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS)
Summarize the cardiac findings seen with Vein of Galen aneurysms
Target Audience
Physicians, sonographers, and others who perform and/or interpret obsterical ultrasound.
* AMA PRA Category 1 ™ credits are used by physicians and other groups like PAs and certain nurses. Category 1 credits are accepted by the ARDMS, CCI, ACCME, and Sonography Canada.
