Study on prenatal diagnosis of fetal complete vascular ring

Objective To investigate the clinical value of fetal echocardiography in prenatal diagnosis of complete vascular ring. Methods Ultrasound images of 6 cases with complete vascular ring were retrospectively analysed and summarized, all cases were confirmed by autopsy after termination of pregnancy. Results Right aortic arch and left ductus arteriosus formed U shaped comlete vascular ring coursing around the trachea in 5 cases, left aortic arch and right aortic arch formed O shaped complete vascular ring in 1 case on three-vessel trachea view. Color Dopple flow imaging aided in identifying various components of the vascular ring. Conclusions Fetal echocardiography is of great clinical value in prenatal diagnosis of complete vascular ring. Three-vessel trachea view is important for screening with particular attention to the relationship of the aortic and duct arches to the trachea. Key words: Ultrasonography, prenatal;  Heart defects,congenital;  Complete vascular ring