Authors: Cathy Ridsdale, BSc, CRGS, CRVS, RDMS, RVT

Cardiac defects are the most common congenital anomalies in the fetus. In the majority of cases, these anomalies can be detectable by sonography. The utility of diagnostic ultrasound in fetal heart assessment depends on the quality and completeness of the exam. This pictorial essay will focus on the Sonography Canada National Competency Guideline preferred image views for assessment of the fetal heart. To achieve the best outcomes, image optimization and exam efficiency will be discussed for this challenging organ.

Reprinted with permission from Ridsdale C. Optimizing Imaging Techniques for the Fetal Heart: A Pictorial Essay. Canadian Journal of Medical Sonography 2020;11(3):16-27.