Coarctation of the aorta and persistent left superior vena cava: HDlive Flow features at 14 weeks of gestation

Abstract

Abstract Objectives A significant discrepancy between a large ductus arteriosus and a smaller aorta at their connection is key to diagnose coarctation of the aorta (CoA) at 14–16 weeks of gestation. CoA was associated with persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC) in 21.3% of fetuses. HDlive Flow findings for CoA or PLSVC were obtained only in the third trimester of pregnancy. To the best of our knowledge, there has been no report on the prenatal findings of CoA and PLSVC using HDlive Flow with spatiotemporal image correlation (STIC) before 20 weeks of gestation. Case presentation We present the trans-abdominal HDlive Flow features of CoA and PLSVC at 14 weeks of gestation. With a three-vessel trachea view on multiplanar view using color Doppler with STIC, PLSVC on the left side of the pulmonary artery was noted, and a narrowing aortic isthmus was suspected. A narrowing isthmus was also suspected with an aortic arch view. HDlive Flow clearly showed the spatial relationships among the right superior vena cava, aorta with narrowing isthmus, pulmonary artery, and PLSVC. A preductal ‘shelf’ was also suspected. No other fetal anomaly was noted. Neonatal echocardiography after delivery confirmed CoA and PLSVC. Conclusions To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on HDlive Flow features of fetal CoA and PLSVC using STIC early in the second trimester of pregnancy.