AIUM Fetal Echocardiography Guideline Tutorial

Comprehensive Second-Trimester Fetal Heart Evaluation Based on AIUM Guidelines

Overview

The AIUM Fetal Echocardiography Guideline Tutorial is an educational program developed by the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine to provide healthcare professionals with a practical understanding of fetal echocardiography according to established imaging guidelines.

This tutorial focuses on the systematic evaluation of the fetal heart during the second trimester of pregnancy, emphasizing the standard sonographic views required for a comprehensive fetal cardiac examination. Participants learn to recognize normal fetal cardiac anatomy, acquire recommended imaging planes, and apply guideline-based approaches for prenatal cardiac screening.

The course supports competency in fetal cardiac imaging and is particularly valuable for sonographers, maternal-fetal medicine specialists, obstetricians, pediatric cardiologists, and other professionals involved in prenatal diagnosis.

Course Specifications

Format

• CME Video Tutorial
• Guideline-Based Instruction
• Practical Imaging Demonstrations

CME Credit

• 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™

Educational Level

Beginner to Intermediate

Specialty

Fetal Echocardiography & Prenatal Cardiac Imaging

Provider

American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine

Learning Objectives

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

• Describe the normal sonographic appearance of the fetal heart.
• Perform a systematic fetal cardiac examination.
• Obtain standard imaging planes recommended for fetal echocardiography.
• Evaluate fetal cardiac anatomy during the second trimester.
• Recognize the components of a comprehensive fetal heart assessment.
• Apply AIUM guideline recommendations in clinical practice.
• Improve prenatal detection of congenital heart disease.
• Enhance quality and consistency of fetal cardiac screening.

Core Topics Covered

Fundamentals of Fetal Echocardiography

Topics Include

• Indications for Fetal Echocardiography
• Prenatal Cardiac Assessment
• Screening versus Comprehensive Examination
• AIUM Practice Guidelines

Participants gain an understanding of when and why fetal echocardiography is performed.

Normal Fetal Cardiac Anatomy

Topics Include

• Cardiac Position and Situs
• Four Cardiac Chambers
• Ventricular Anatomy
• Atrial Anatomy
• Septal Structures
• Cardiac Axis

Special emphasis is placed on identifying normal developmental anatomy.

Standard Fetal Echocardiographic Views

A central component of the tutorial.

Topics Include

• Four-Chamber View
• Left Ventricular Outflow Tract (LVOT)
• Right Ventricular Outflow Tract (RVOT)
• Three-Vessel View
• Three-Vessel Trachea View
• Aortic Arch
• Ductal Arch

Participants learn how each view contributes to a complete fetal cardiac assessment.

Second-Trimester Cardiac Evaluation

Topics Include

• Optimal Timing of Examination
• Imaging Techniques
• Systematic Cardiac Survey
• Evaluation Protocols

The tutorial focuses specifically on fetal heart assessment during the second trimester.

Ultrasound Imaging Techniques

Topics Include

• Image Optimization
• Probe Positioning
• Scanning Techniques
• Cardiac Orientation
• Visualization Strategies

Practical guidance is provided to improve examination quality.

Comprehensive Fetal Heart Examination

Topics Include

• Chamber Assessment
• Great Vessel Evaluation
• Cardiac Connections
• Structural Assessment
• Functional Evaluation

Learners understand the components required for a complete fetal echocardiographic study.

Prenatal Detection of Congenital Heart Disease

Topics Include

• Screening Strategies
• Recognition of Abnormal Findings
• Referral Considerations
• Follow-Up Imaging

Although focused on normal anatomy, the tutorial provides context for identifying potential abnormalities.

Educational Features

Guideline-Based Training

Built around established AIUM fetal echocardiography recommendations.

Practical Ultrasound Demonstrations

Shows real ultrasound views used in clinical practice.

Focus on Standardized Imaging

Promotes consistency and quality in fetal cardiac assessment.

CME Accredited Education

Supports continuing medical education for physicians and sonographers.

Target Audience

Physicians

• Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialists
• Obstetricians
• Pediatric Cardiologists
• Radiologists
• Fetal Medicine Specialists

Sonographers

• Obstetric Sonographers
• Fetal Echocardiography Sonographers
• Diagnostic Medical Sonographers

Trainees

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

Allied Health Professionals

• Prenatal Diagnostic Specialists
• Advanced Practice Providers

Why This Course Stands Out

• Based directly on AIUM fetal echocardiography guidelines.
• Focuses on practical acquisition of standard fetal heart views.
• Excellent introduction to comprehensive fetal cardiac imaging.
• Emphasizes quality assurance and standardized examination techniques.
• Ideal foundation for fetal echocardiography training.