Cor Vasa 2012, 54(9-10):e329-e335 | DOI: 10.1016/j.crvasa.2012.07.002

Diagnostic problems in fetal visceral heterotaxy syndrome. Sonography vs. autopsy

Cezary Niszczota^a,*, Adam Koleśnik^a, Joanna Szymkiewicz-Dangel^b

^a Department of Descriptive and Clinical Anatomy, Center of Biostructure Research, Medical University of Warsaw, Poland

^b Perinatology and Prenatal Cardiology Unit, II Chair of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Warsaw, Poland

Introduction: Visceral heterotaxy syndromes (VHS) are defined as abnormalities of the determination of left--
-right symmetry, described as left or right atrial isomerism (LAI, RAI) [11]. Some cases do not follow classical patterns and may cause diagnostic problems. The aim of this study is to determine whether their features can be helpful or misleading in the diagnosis of VHS.

Material and methods: The study was based on 6 cases diagnosed sonographically and/or in autopsy. The results of examinations were re-evaluated and compared.

Results: Two of 6 fetuses were diagnosed to have right atrial isomerism (RAI), 3 presented left atrial iso-merism (LAI) and one case was diagnosed as VHS. Cardiovascular anomalies comprised: abnormal systemic venous connections (6/6), partial anomalous pulmonary venous drainage (PAPVD) (2/6), complete atrioventricular septal defect (cAVSD) (2/6), ventricular left-hand pattern (2/6), ventriculo-arterial discordance (1/6), tricuspid atresia (1/6), mitral atresia (1/6) and tetralogy of Fallot (ToF) (1/6). Fetuses diagnosed as LAI presen-ted complete heart block. In 2 cases of RAI and in 3 cases of LAI isomeric anatomy of the atrial appendages was observed. None of fetuses with LAI presented "polysplenia" and none of fetuses with RAI presented "asplenia". Lungs and main bronchi were isomeric in 3 cases of LAI and in no cases of RAI. One fetus with otocephaly presented atrial situs solitus and multiple cardiac anomalies, situs ambiguus of lungs and bronchi and situs solitus of the abdominal viscera.

Conclusions: There are characteristic features of left and right isomerism, and they may be present in various forms. In some cases extracardiac features of VHS can be seen only on autopsy.

Keywords: Aplenia; Atrial isomerism; Congenital heart defect; Fetal echocardiography; Heterotaxy syndrome; Polysplenia

Received: April 20, 2012; Accepted: July 24, 2012; Published: September 1, 2012  Show citation