2019 Fetal Echocardiography: Normal and Abnormal Hearts

Advanced CME Program in Fetal Cardiac Imaging and Congenital Heart Disease

Overview

2019 Fetal Echocardiography: Normal and Abnormal Hearts is a comprehensive CME educational program designed to provide in-depth training in the evaluation of fetal cardiac anatomy, physiology, function, and congenital heart disease using modern fetal echocardiography techniques.

This advanced course covers the complete spectrum of fetal cardiac imaging, from normal cardiac anatomy and fetal circulation to complex congenital cardiac malformations involving the cardiac chambers, venous system, great vessels, and outflow tracts. Special emphasis is placed on the integration of 2D ultrasound, Doppler imaging, and three-dimensional (3D) fetal echocardiography to improve prenatal diagnosis and clinical management.

Participants learn a systematic approach to fetal cardiac assessment, including patient selection, counseling, image optimization, interpretation of fetal heart abnormalities, and contemporary applications of advanced imaging technologies during both early and late gestation.

The course is designed to help clinicians improve prenatal detection of congenital heart disease and strengthen multidisciplinary collaboration between maternal-fetal medicine specialists, pediatric cardiologists, sonographers, and obstetric care providers.

Course Specifications

Format

• CME Video Lectures
• Case-Based Learning
• Fetal Echocardiography Demonstrations
• 2D, 3D and Doppler Imaging Review

Course Year

2019

Educational Level

Intermediate to Advanced

Specialty

Fetal Echocardiography and Prenatal Cardiac Imaging

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this activity, participants should be able to:

• Discuss indications and referral criteria for fetal echocardiography.
• Review current fetal echocardiography guidelines and recommendations.
• Apply appropriate counseling strategies for patients referred for fetal cardiac evaluation.
• Optimize ultrasound equipment for fetal cardiac imaging.
• Utilize 2D, 3D, and Doppler ultrasound effectively.
• Identify normal fetal cardiac anatomy and physiology.
• Evaluate abnormalities of the fetal venous system.
• Diagnose congenital abnormalities involving the cardiac chambers.
• Recognize abnormalities of the ventricular outflow tracts.
• Interpret complex congenital heart defects prenatally.
• Improve diagnostic confidence and prenatal detection rates.

Course Curriculum

Indications for Fetal Echocardiography

A practical review of when fetal echocardiography should be performed.

Topics Include

• Maternal Risk Factors
• Family History of Congenital Heart Disease
• Abnormal Obstetric Ultrasound Findings
• Assisted Reproductive Technologies
• Fetal Arrhythmias
• Genetic Syndromes
• Extracardiac Malformations

Participants learn evidence-based referral criteria and current practice guidelines.

Patient Counseling and Clinical Approach

Topics Include

• Counseling Before Examination
• Communicating Prenatal Diagnoses
• Prognostic Discussions
• Delivery Planning
• Multidisciplinary Care Coordination

This section focuses on effective communication with families facing fetal cardiac diagnoses.

Ultrasound Equipment Optimization

2D Ultrasound in Fetal Echocardiography

Participants learn techniques for obtaining optimal cardiac views.

Topics Include

• Image Acquisition
• Resolution Optimization
• Scan Plane Selection
• Artifact Reduction

Doppler Applications

Advanced instruction in fetal cardiovascular Doppler imaging.

Topics Include

• Color Doppler
• Spectral Doppler
• Valve Assessment
• Blood Flow Evaluation
• Functional Cardiac Assessment

Three-Dimensional (3D) Fetal Echocardiography

A dedicated section explores advanced imaging technologies.

Topics Include

• 3D Cardiac Imaging
• Volume Acquisition
• Spatiotemporal Image Correlation (STIC)
• Advanced Cardiac Reconstruction
• Clinical Applications of 3D Ultrasound

Participants learn how 3D technology enhances fetal cardiac evaluation.

Normal Fetal Cardiac Anatomy

Comprehensive review of normal fetal heart structures.

Topics Include

• Cardiac Situs
• Cardiac Axis
• Four-Chamber View
• Atrioventricular Connections
• Ventricular Anatomy
• Great Vessel Anatomy
• Normal Fetal Circulation

Understanding normal anatomy is essential for accurate diagnosis of abnormalities.

Early Gestation Cardiac Imaging

Advanced techniques for first-trimester fetal cardiac evaluation.

Topics Include

• Early Fetal Heart Development
• First-Trimester Screening
• Early Detection of Cardiac Defects
• Technical Considerations

Venous System Abnormalities

Detailed review of fetal venous anomalies.

Topics Include

• Systemic Venous Abnormalities
• Persistent Left Superior Vena Cava
• Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Return
• Ductus Venosus Abnormalities

Participants learn how venous abnormalities impact fetal circulation and outcomes.

Cardiac Chamber Abnormalities

Comprehensive evaluation of congenital defects involving the atria and ventricles.

Topics Include

• Ventricular Septal Defects (VSD)
• Atrial Septal Defects (ASD)
• Right Ventricular Abnormalities
• Left Ventricular Abnormalities
• Ventricular Hypoplasia
• Chamber Disproportion

Outflow Tract Abnormalities

A major focus of the course is congenital heart disease involving the great vessels.

Topics Include

Transposition of the Great Arteries (TGA)

• Prenatal Diagnosis
• Imaging Features
• Clinical Significance

Tetralogy of Fallot Complex

• Anatomical Components
• Diagnostic Criteria
• Prenatal Management

Double Outlet Right Ventricle

• Classification
• Sonographic Findings

Truncus Arteriosus

• Recognition and Differential Diagnosis

Aortic Arch Abnormalities

Detailed review of arch anomalies.

Topics Include

• Coarctation of the Aorta
• Interrupted Aortic Arch
• Right Aortic Arch
• Double Aortic Arch
• Vascular Rings

Participants learn imaging techniques that improve detection of arch abnormalities.

Congenital Heart Disease

Comprehensive review of common and complex congenital cardiac defects.

Conditions Covered

• Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome
• Tetralogy of Fallot
• Transposition of the Great Arteries
• Coarctation of the Aorta
• Pulmonary Atresia
• Ebstein Anomaly
• Double Outlet Right Ventricle
• Truncus Arteriosus
• Complex Congenital Heart Disease

Educational Features

Advanced Imaging Techniques

Strong emphasis on modern fetal cardiac imaging technologies including:

• 2D Ultrasound
• 3D Ultrasound
• STIC Technology
• Doppler Imaging

Case-Based Learning

Clinical cases demonstrate:

• Normal Fetal Hearts
• Common Cardiac Defects
• Rare Congenital Anomalies
• Challenging Diagnoses

Practical Clinical Application

Focuses on improving prenatal diagnosis and patient management.

Target Audience

Physicians

• Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialists
• Obstetricians and Gynecologists
• Pediatric Cardiologists
• Radiologists
• Neonatologists

Sonographers

• Fetal Echocardiography Sonographers
• Obstetric Sonographers
• Diagnostic Medical Sonographers

Trainees

• OB/GYN Residents
• Maternal-Fetal Medicine Fellows
• Pediatric Cardiology Fellows

Other Healthcare Professionals

• Advanced Practice Providers
• Prenatal Care Specialists

Why This Course Stands Out

Comprehensive Coverage

Reviews both normal fetal cardiac anatomy and complex congenital heart disease.

Advanced Imaging Focus

Includes dedicated instruction on 3D fetal echocardiography and early gestation imaging.

Expert Clinical Approach

Combines anatomy, physiology, imaging, and patient counseling.

Practical Application

Designed to improve prenatal cardiac screening and diagnostic performance.

Ideal for Fetal Cardiac Specialists

Valuable for clinicians involved in fetal imaging, maternal-fetal medicine, and pediatric cardiology.