Fetal Echocardiography
Overview
The Fetal Echocardiography Department at Al Nas Hospital is a national referral center dedicated to the early detection, diagnosis, and management of congenital heart disease during pregnancy. Since its establishment in November 2023, the unit has achieved major milestones in the prenatal diagnosis and coordinated care of complex conditions such as Dextro-Transposition of the Great Arteries, hypoplastic aortic arch, and single ventricle anatomies requiring stenting for duct-dependent circulation. The department also provides expertise in managing intrauterine arrhythmias conservatively and identifying extra-cardiac shunts, ensuring families receive comprehensive counseling and tailored perinatal planning. Through advanced imaging technologies and close collaboration with maternal-fetal medicine, pediatric cardiology, and cardiac surgery teams, the unit delivers high-precision evaluations and integrated care. Looking ahead, the program is preparing to expand its scope to include highly complex neonatal surgical pathways with the planned introduction of postoperative ECMO support.
Scope of the Department
The Fetal Echocardiography Department specializes in prenatal cardiac imaging and risk stratification for congenital and fetal functional heart conditions. The unit plays a pivotal role in guiding delivery planning, optimizing perinatal care, and preparing families for possible postnatal interventions.
Diagnostic Fetal Echocardiography: Comprehensive fetal cardiac imaging, rhythm assessment, blood flow studies, and early detection of congenital anomalies.
High-Risk Pregnancy Assessment: Evaluation of fetuses of diabetic mothers, IVF pregnancies, multiple gestations, and families with genetic predisposition to CHD.
Counseling & Family Support Services: Structured sessions for parents to discuss findings, expected outcomes, treatment options, and delivery planning.
Research, Training & Education: Academic contributions, specialized training programs for cardiologists and sonographers, and participation in multicenter studies on fetal cardiac disease.
What We Detect
Structural congenital heart disease (ASD, VSD, hypoplastic right heart syndromes, outflow tract anomalies and aortic arch abnormalities).
Fetal arrhythmias and conduction abnormalities.
Cardiomyopathies and functional heart disease.
Secondary cardiac effects of maternal diseases (diabetes, lupus, hypertension).
High-output cardiac states.
Fetal pericardial effusion and hydrops fetalis related to cardiac causes.
Eminent Procedures & Programs
Advanced fetal echocardiography using 2D, Doppler, and 3D/4D imaging.
Screening for congenital heart disease in high-risk pregnancies.
Assessment of fetal arrhythmias (under supervision of electrophysiology team) and fetal cardiac function.
Perinatal planning for delivery at tertiary cardiac centers.
Counseling programs for families with confirmed or suspected CHD.
Follow-up programs for fetuses diagnosed prenatally through delivery and into postnatal cardiac care.
Outcomes
Program Coordinator:
Program Description:
Our Fetal Echocardiography Program provides advanced prenatal cardiac imaging to evaluate the structure and function of a baby’s heart before birth. Using high-resolution ultrasound technology, we can detect congenital heart conditions early allowing families and care teams to plan for the safest possible pregnancy, delivery, and postnatal care.
This program is dedicated to early diagnosis, expert guidance, and coordinated care, ensuring the best outcomes for both mother and baby.
Why This Program Matters
Congenital heart disease is one of the most common birth conditions, and early detection plays a critical role in improving outcomes. Fetal echocardiography enables:
Early and accurate diagnosis of heart abnormalities
Timely decision-making and pregnancy management
Planned delivery in collaboration with specialized centers when needed
Timely care for newborns with critical heart conditions
Improved survival rates and long-term health outcomes
Identifying heart conditions before birth allows for a proactive, well-coordinated approach to care reducing uncertainty and enhancing safety.
We perform comprehensive fetal echocardiograms to assess cardiac anatomy, rhythm, and function, using advanced imaging techniques for precise diagnosis.
We provide clear, compassionate counseling to help families understand the diagnosis, expected outcomes, and next steps in care.
When necessary, we coordinate delivery at specialized centers and ensure seamless transition to neonatal cardiac care immediately after birth.
Program Outcomes at a Glance
90%
Success Rate
400
Cases
2
Years