Advances in Diagnosis and Management of Fetal Heart Disease

In this review, we will provide updates on the current state of diagnosis and management of fetal heart disease and highlight the research that is driving the field forward.

The prenatal detection rate for congenital heart disease is increasing, but despite widespread prenatal anatomy screening, a significant proportion of congenital heart disease continues to go undetected before birth. Disparities drive lower detection rates in some population groups, such as the Hispanic population. For expectant parents who receive a prenatal diagnosis of congenital heart disease, psychological distress is common and can impact parent and child outcomes. New techniques, modalities, and therapies are emerging to aid in prenatal diagnosis, prognostication, and management of congenital heart disease and arrhythmias.

Prenatal diagnosis of heart disease and our options for in utero management are improving. The fetal cardiologist’s tool kit is expanding to include new and improved diagnostic and prognostic tools and therapy options.