Importance of Fetal Echocardiography in Women with COVID-19 during Pregnancy

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on fetal heart function in 60 pregnant women who contracted the virus during their second and third trimesters. Key parameters such as cardiothoracic index, aorta-to-pulmonary artery diameter ratio, left ventricular contraction fraction, and blood flow velocities in the pulmonary artery, aorta, tricuspid, and mitral valves were assessed using echocardiography and Doppler ultrasound. Comparisons with a control group of 40 healthy pregnant women revealed no significant changes in heart morphology but identified functional alterations, including increased fetal heart rates and arrhythmias. These findings suggest that COVID-19 may disrupt uterine-placental blood circulation, affecting fetal heart function. The study emphasizes the need for routine Doppler assessments during prenatal care to monitor for potential complications, particularly after 32 weeks of gestation. Future research should focus on understanding the long-term effects of these functional changes and developing preventive measures to minimize the cardiovascular impact of maternal COVID-19 on fetal health.