FE FE Arrhythmias & Cardiac Function 2

Question 1

Complete fetal heart block is most strongly associated with which maternal antibody?

Accepted Answer

Anti-Ro/SSA and anti-La/SSB antibodies

Answer

Maternal anti-Ro/SSA and anti-La/SSB antibodies cross the placenta and can damage the fetal AV node, causing congenital complete heart block.

Question 2

In complete heart block, the characteristic echocardiographic finding is:

Accepted Answer

Atrial rate higher than ventricular rate with no AV relationship

Answer

Complete heart block shows complete AV dissociation with the atrial rate (normal) being faster than the slow ventricular escape rate.

Question 3

Which fetal cardiac condition is most commonly associated with complete heart block in the absence of maternal antibodies?

Accepted Answer

Left atrial isomerism (polysplenia)

Answer

Left atrial isomerism (polysplenia syndrome) is associated with AV nodal abnormalities and is the most common structural cause of congenital complete heart block.

Question 4

Fetal atrial flutter is characterized by:

Accepted Answer

Regular atrial rate of 300–500 bpm with variable AV conduction

Answer

Atrial flutter features a rapid, regular atrial rate of 300–500 bpm, typically with 2:1 AV block producing a ventricular rate of 150–250 bpm.

Question 5

Which echocardiographic technique can assess fetal PR interval to detect first- and second-degree heart block?

Accepted Answer

Tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) of AV valves

Answer

Tissue Doppler imaging can measure the mechanical PR interval by assessing the timing of atrial and ventricular wall motion, enabling detection of AV conduction delays.

(FE) Fetal Echocardiography Certification Practice Test

(FE) Fetal Echocardiography Certification Practice Test

FE FE Arrhythmias & Cardiac Function 2