Fetal Cardiology: A Practical Approach to Diagnosis and Management

This thoroughly updated practical book describes a systematic approach to ultrasound examination of the fetal heart based on accepted screening recommendations.  The content is enhanced by images and videos of both normal and abnormal sonographic findings that brings the topic to life and provides the reader with critical clinical information on best practice.

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” that 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. 

This book equips 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 is a vital resource 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 and trained in paediatric cardiology at Guy’s Hospital, London and the University of California, San Francisco.  Professor Simpson has published over 300 peer-reviewed papers in the field and is a co-author of UK, US and European guidelines on the practice of fetal echocardiography and fetal cardiology. He is past President of the British Congenital Cardiac Association (2019-2021).

Vita Zidere is Consultant in Paediatric and Fetal Cardiology at 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 Deputy 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 on the Associate Editor of European Heart Journal - Cardiovascular Imaging and his main clinical and research interests cover advanced cardiac imaging in fetal and paediatric cardiology.

Trisha Vigneswaran is the clinical lead for the Evelina London fetal cardiology network and consultant in paediatric and fetal cardiology  at the Evelina London Children’s Hospital, Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust . She qualified from Imperial College, London in 2003 and undertook specialist training in paediatrics at Bart’s and The London Hospital and subsequently  in paediatric and fetal cardiology at Great Ormond Street Hospital, Evelina London Children’s Hospital and King’s College Hospital. Dr Vigneswaran is a co-author of the UK guidelines on the practice of fetal cardiology. In addition to clinical work she also undertakes research in fetal cardiology, having published over 50 peer-reviewed papers with current focus on acute maternal hyperoxygenation testing.