THE PRENATAL DIAGNOSIS OF ABSENCE OF THE INFERIOR VENA CAVA AND THE ASSOCIATION WITH CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE

Ann E Quinton BAppSc(MRS) MHlthSc(MedSonography) AMS, Senior Sonographer, Feto-Maternal Unit, Liverpool Health Service, Liverpool, NSW

Abstract
This is a case report of the prenatal diagnosis of absence of the inferior vena cava.
Absence of the inferior vena cava is often associated with congenital heart disease. The sensitivity of prenatal ultrasound in the detection of heart defects continues to be poor. Determining the correct arrangement of the abdominal vasculature in the fetus may assist in improving the detection of heart defects in the fetus.

Citation
Quinton A, The prenatal diagnosis of absence of the inferior vena cava and the association with congenital heart disease. ASUM Bulletin 2003.1:18-20.