Objective: To evaluate the relation between elevated Nuchal Translucency (NT) and fetal cardiac anomalies.
Patients and Methods: Referred patients to fetal medicine units of three centers in Egypt in the first trimester due to elevated NT were involved for reassessment and counseling. Chromosomally abnormal fetuses were excluded. Fetal echocardiography was done at 18-22 weeks of gestation to evaluate fetal heart abnormalities. Follow up or termination was done according to results obtained from echocardiography. Obstetrical and neonatal outcomes were reported.
Results: Nine cases (25.7%) had normal NT while 26 (74.3%) had increased NT. The mean age was 39.1 ± 2.2 years, with positive consanguinity in 8 (22.9%) of cases. There were 5 cases with abnormal karyotyping that were excluded. Echocardiography was normal in 15 (71.4%) cases while abnormalities were found in 6 (28.6%) cases. Obstetrical and neonatal outcomes were better in cases with normal than cases with abnormal echocardiography.
Conclusion: Better obstetrical and neonatal outcomes were found in cases with increased NT with normal echocardiography while poor outcomes were found in the abnormal findings and early termination of such cases is recommended.