Objective Past studies of fetal tetralogy of fallot (ToF) have reported extra-cardiac anomalies (ECAs) in 17%-45%, genetic syndromes in as low as 20% and poor postnatal outcomes. This study sought to examine these factors in a contemporary cohort. Methods A retrospective review examining 83 fetuses with ToF diagnosed 2012-2019. Referral indication, ToF subtype, additional cardiac, extra-cardiac and genetic diagnoses, pregnancy outcomes and survival were documented. Results The mean gestational age at diagnosis was 23 +/- 4 weeks. Of 94% (78/83) with genetic testing (GT), 30% (23/78, 95%CI 21%-40%) had genetic anomalies (GA), including Trisomy 21 (39%, 9/23), 22q11 deletion (35%, 8/23), Trisomy 13 or 18 (17%, 4/23) and 9% (2/23) others. A further 4% (3/78) had VACTERL association. Forty-one percent (34/83, 95%CI 31%-52%) had >= 1 major ECA of whom 41% (14/34) also had a genetic anomaly. Outcomes: 22% (18/83) pregnancy termination, 5% (4/83) intrauterine death and 72% (60/83) live birth. Of live births, 3% (2/60) experienced neonatal death, 7% late death (4/60) and 90% (54/60) were alive at last follow-up (mean age 3.5 +/- 2.4 years). Conclusion In a cohort of fetuses with ToF and high rates of GT, compared to previous reports, GA were more common and there were similar rates of ECAs.
Introduction: The prenatal diagnosis of conotruncal defects (CTDs) has improved over the past decade, particularly with inclusion of outflow tract imaging at routine ultrasound. Appropriate prenatal counseling for CTDs demands an accurate diagnosis, as even more subtle cardiac pathology could complicate clinical outcomes. We sought to determine the anatomical accuracy of fetal echocardiography in evaluating common CTDs and factors that contribute to accuracy. Methods: All cases of tetralogy of Fallot(TOF), double outlet right ventricle(DORV) and truncus arteriosus(TA) encountered in our institution from 2007-2018 were reviewed. Discrepancies in anatomical findings between prenatal (most accurate exam) and postnatal (echo/surgery) or autopsy exams were categorized as: C1) no difference C2) minor difference with no impact on outcome (e.g.aberrant right subclavian artery), C3) minor difference that could make a minor difference to the delivery plan or surgery (e.g.branch pulmonary artery stenosis), C4) major difference that changes the course of the pregnancy, delivery or surgical planning (e.g.ductal dependency). Results: Of the 255 CTD cases, 162 had prenatal and postnatal and/or autopsy data available. Of the 162, 107(65.6%) fit C1, 35(21.5%) C2, 12(7.4%) C3, and 8(5.5%) C4. The greatest accuracy was observed in TOF, with 69/71(97.2%) in C1 and C2 versus 56/69(81.2%) in DORV and 16/22(72.7%) in TA(p=0.003). Excluding 5 cases at 10-16weeks, there was a tendency towards a greater proportion in C1 and C2 when examined at 17-23 weeks (60/64, 93.4%) versus 24-32 weeks (50/57, 87.7%) and >32 weeks (28/36, 77.8%) (p=0.06). Era of assessment also revealed a difference with 43/55(78.2%) of studies performed from 2007-2011 in C1 and C2 versus 99/107(92.5%) from 2012-2018 (p=0.01).When we compared pregnancies with one versus serial exams, we observed a lower proportion of C4 cases from 9.6% to 2.7%, respectively. In those with serial exams, 20% had achieved C1 or C2 only at serial exam. Conclusions: The diagnostic accuracy of fetal echocardiography in CTDs is generally high, especially for TOF and when performed at 17-24weeks. There has been significant improvement in accuracy since 2011. Serial exams potentially improve diagnostic accuracy.
Introduction: Historically, prenatal detection of tetralogy of Fallot (ToF) was poor and around 60% had major extracardiac (ECA) or genetic anomalies. Recently, prenatal detection of ToF has improved, along with a wider range of genetic testing options. Knowledge of outcomes and risk of associated anomalies is crucial for prenatal counselling. We hypothesize that prenatal ToF now has a different risk profile for ECAs and genetic anomalies than previously reported. Methods: A retrospective study of all fetuses with a diagnosis of ToF in our Fetal Cardiology program from 2012-2019. ToF type double outlet right ventricle was excluded. Pre and postnatal charts and imaging reports were reviewed for ToF subtype, additional cardiac and non-cardiac diagnoses and outcomes. Results: Of 83 cases, 49 had standard ToF, 24 pulmonary atresia (14 with major collateral arteries, 10 without), and 10 absent pulmonary valve. There was ≥1 ECA in 41% (34/83), including 6% (5/83) with 2 and 4% (3/83) with 3. ECA sub-types were: 10 gastrointestinal, 8 neurological, 8 pulmonary, 7 renal, 4 musculoskeletal, and 8 others. Of 76 with genetic testing, 37% (28/76) had genetic anomalies (32% (9/28) Trisomy 21, 29% (8/28) 22q11 deletion, 7% (2/28) Trisomy 18, 7% (2/28) Trisomy 13, and 25% (7/28) other). Additional diagnoses: 4% (3/76) VACTERL spectrum, 1% (1/76) possible teratogenic effect. Right aortic arch was associated with 22q11 deletion (28% (7/25) vs 2% (1/51) p<0.001). ToF with atrioventricular septal defect (AVSD) was strongly associated with Trisomy 21 (100%, 3/3 tested). Those with ≥1 ECA were more likely to have a genetic abnormality (52% (17/33) vs 24% (9/37), p<0.05). Outcomes were: 22% (18/83) termination, 5% (4/83) intrauterine fetal deaths and 72% (60/83) livebirths, with 1 lost to follow-up. Of live births, there were 3% (2/60) neonatal and 7% (4/60) late deaths, and 90% (54/60) were alive at last follow-up (mean age 3.5±2.4 years). Conclusion: ECAs are less common in prenatally diagnosed ToF in the modern era, however the rate of genetic diagnoses is similar to previously published data. ToF with right aortic arch and ToF with AVSD in particular have strong genetic associations. Additionally, genetic diagnoses are more common in those with an ECA.