Three-vessel and Tracheal View in the Diagnosis of Fetal Aortic Arch Anomalies

  Objective  To investigate the diagnostic value of three-vessel and tracheal (3VT) view in fetal aortic arch anomalies.

  Methods  Ultrasound findings of 17 fetuses with aortic arch anomalies diagnosed in Peking Union Medical College Hospital between May 2010 and May 2014 were reviewed and compared with the findings of postnatal ultrasonography and pathological examinations to analyze the ultrasound features of aortic arch anomalies of different types, focusing on the importance of 3VT view.

  Results  In all 17 cases the 3VT view was abnormal. 3 cases were aortic coarctation, mainly manifested as reduced diameter of the aortic arch; 7 cases were interrupted aortic arch, in which there was discontinuity between the thinning aortic arch and the descending aorta; 5 cases were right aortic arch (RAA) with aberrant left subclavian artery, with a 'U'-shaped vascular loop around the trachea; and 2 cases were RAA with mirror-image branching, with the aortic arch situated to the right of the trachea and not forming a V- or U-shaped confluence with the ductus.

  Conclusions  The 3VT view is avery sensitive view to effectively diagnose fetal aortic arch anomalies. Meticulous ultrasound examination focusing on this view during second trimester may disclose the presence of such anomalies and help provide the appropriate genetic counselling.