Fetal Cardiology

This practical book describes a systematic approach to the ultrasound examination of the fetal heart based on accepted screening recommendations.  The written content is enhanced by images and videos of both normal and abnormal sonographic findings.

Fetal Cardiology: A Practical Approach to Diagnosis and Management goes further than simply describing core screening views. It includes extended views of the fetal heart, the use of Doppler techniques and assessment of fetal cardiac function.  “Variants” which can be encountered in practice are described as well as the features of the major groups of cardiac abnormalities and fetal arrhythmias. Because the authors include experienced fetal and paediatric cardiologists, the focus is not only on diagnostic features but also the approach to postnatal care and prognosis. This content is enhanced by inclusion of chapters relating to associated fetal abnormalities, the genetics of congenital heart disease and new imaging modalities such as MRI of the fetal heart.

The book equips all those using ultrasound to image the fetus with a clear concise reference to meet the challenge of new guidelines and to expand their knowledge of complementary echocardiographic techniques and management. It details why prenatal recognition of congenital heart disease is being prioritised to allow for parental choice, recognition of associated abnormalities and improvement of postnatal outcome. As such, this book will be important for all professionals, whether they be a cardiologist, fetal medicine specialist, sonographer or midwife.

John Simpson is Professor of Paediatric and Fetal Cardiology at the Evelina London Children’s Hospital, Guy’s and St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust. He qualified in medicine from the University of Edinburgh in 1987 and trained in paediatric cardiology at Guy’s Hospital, London and the University of California, San Francisco.  Professor Simpson has published over 150  peer-reviewed papers with a major focus on prenatal diagnosis of congenital heart disease.  He was a co-author of the AEPC guidelines on the practice of fetal cardiology in Europe and is on the Editorial Board of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology and the European Heart Journal Cardiovascular Imaging.

Vita Zidere is Consultant in Paediatric and Fetal Cardiology at King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and at the Evelina London Children’s Hospital, Guy’s and St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust. She qualified in medicine from the Riga Stradins University in 1994 and trained in paediatric and fetal cardiology at the University Children’s Hospital in Riga, Latvia, at Guy’s Hospital, London and at Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Centre, Babies Hospital, New York, USA. Dr Zidere has published peer-reviewed papers with a major focus on prenatal diagnosis of congenital heart disease.

Owen Miller is a Consultant in Paediatric and Fetal Cardiology and Associate Medical Director, Evelina London Children’s Hospital.  He graduated from the University of Newcastle, Australia and trained in Paediatrics, Paediatric Intensive Care and Paediatric Cardiology in Sydney, Zurich and London.  Dr Miller is a board member of the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging and his main clinical and research interests cover advanced cardiac imaging in fetal and paediatric cardiology.