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Current Cardiology Reviews

Current Cardiology Reviews

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ISSN (Print): 1573-403X
ISSN (Online): 1875-6557

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Review Article

Cardiac Axis in Early Gestation and Congenital Heart Disease

Author(s): D. Carrasco*orcid of author and L. Guedes-Martins

Volume 20, Issue 1, 2024

Published on: 24 January, 2024

Article ID: e240124226100 Pages: 15

DOI: 10.2174/011573403X264660231210162041

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Abstract

Congenital heart defects represent the most common structural anomalies observed in the fetal population, and they are often associated with significant morbidity and mortality.

The fetal cardiac axis, which indicates the orientation of the heart in relation to the chest wall, is formed by the angle between the anteroposterior axis of the chest and the interventricular septum of the heart. Studies conducted during the first trimester have demonstrated promising outcomes with respect to the applicability of cardiac axis measurement in fetuses with congenital heart defects as well as fetuses with extracardiac and chromosomal anomalies, which may result in improved health outcomes and reduced healthcare costs.

The main aim of this review article was to highlight the cardiac axis as a reliable and powerful marker for the detection of congenital heart defects during early gestation, including defects that would otherwise remain undetectable through the conventional four-chamber view.

Keywords: Doppler, fetal echocardiography, four-chamber, congenital heart defect, fetal cardiac axis, abnormal fetal cardiac axis.

Graphical Abstract

Graphical abstract illustrating key findings of the study

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