Advanced imaging of fetal cardiac function

Over recent decades, a variety of advanced imaging techniques for assessing cardiovascular physiology and cardiac function in adults and children have been applied in the fetus. In many cases, technical development has been required to allow feasibility in the fetus, while an appreciation of the unique physiology of the fetal circulation is required for proper interpretation of the findings. This review will focus on recent advances in fetal echocardiography and cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR), providing examples of their application in research and clinical settings. We will also consider future directions for these technologies, including their ongoing technical development and potential clinical value.

Automated summary

Over the past few decades, advanced imaging techniques have been used to assess cardiovascular physiology and cardiac function in the fetus. Technical development has been necessary to make these assessments feasible in the fetus, while an understanding of the unique physiology of fetal circulation is needed for proper interpretation of the results. This review discusses recent advances in fetal echocardiography and cardiovascular magnetic resonance, providing examples of their application in research and clinical settings, as well as future directions for these technologies.