FE FE Arrhythmias & Cardiac Function

Question 1

Which is the most common fetal cardiac arrhythmia encountered in clinical practice?

Accepted Answer

Premature atrial contractions (PACs)

Answer

Premature atrial contractions (PACs) are the most common fetal arrhythmia, usually benign and resolving spontaneously.

Question 2

Most premature atrial contractions (PACs) in the fetus are:

Accepted Answer

Conducted to the ventricles

Answer

Most PACs are conducted, producing an early ventricular beat, though some may be blocked depending on timing and AV node refractoriness.

Question 3

Fetal supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is defined by a ventricular rate of:

Accepted Answer

Greater than 200 bpm

Answer

Fetal SVT is characterized by a sustained ventricular rate greater than 200 bpm, typically 220–280 bpm with 1:1 AV conduction.

Question 4

Which M-mode echocardiographic finding is most useful for diagnosing fetal tachyarrhythmias?

Accepted Answer

Simultaneous recording of atrial and ventricular wall motion to assess AV relationship

Answer

M-mode recording of simultaneous atrial and ventricular wall motion allows assessment of the AV relationship, essential for classifying tachyarrhythmias.

Question 5

Untreated sustained fetal SVT is most likely to lead to which complication?

Accepted Answer

Non-immune hydrops fetalis

Answer

Sustained SVT can cause high-output heart failure, leading to non-immune hydrops fetalis if untreated.

(FE) Fetal Echocardiography Certification Practice Test

(FE) Fetal Echocardiography Certification Practice Test

FE FE Arrhythmias & Cardiac Function