Prenatal sonographic diagnosis of congenital vascular rings in eight fetuses

Objective To explore the prenatal sonographic diagnosis of congenital vascular rings.Methods Eight fetuses with congenital vascular rings diagnosed in Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical College from January 9,2010 to November 25,2012 were retrospectively analyzed.All cases underwent threevessel trachea view to observe the position of aortic arch,its branches and the ductus arteriosus.The sonographic features were summarized.Results The eight cases were diagnosed at 22 to 28 gestional weeks,with an average of (25±2) weeks.They were 21 to 35 years old,with an average of (28±5) years.Seven cases were diagnosed by cardiac ultrasonography,and one induction case was diagnosed by autopsy.Among the eight cases,there were seven of right aortic arch with vagus left subclavian artery and left ductus arteriosus,and one case was complicated with double aortic arch.The former seven cases showed U-shape vascular ring surrounding the trachea composed of right aortic arch,vagus left subclavian artery and left ductus arteriosus.The other side of this U-shape was the heart structure,showing a complete vascular ring.In the latter one case,the O-shape vascular ring was composed of left and right sides of the aortic arch.Conclusion The U-shape,or O-shape vascular ring in three-vessel trachea view is the typical sonographic features of congenital vascular ring.Cardiac ultrasound examination should be performed on those suspected cases. Key words: Cardiovascular abnormalities;  Ultrasonography, prenatal ;  Aorta, thoracic;  Subclavian artery;  Ductus arteriosus