Ultrasound Features of Fetal Anemia Lessons From Hemoglobin Bart Disease

Insights gained from this review are as follows: (1) Ultrasound is highly effective in early detection of fetal hemoglobin (Hb) Bart disease. (2) The most sensitive parameters in predicting Hb Bart anemia appear to be the cardiac diameter-to-thoracic diameter ratio, middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity, and placental thickness. (3) Several other ultrasound markers are helpful in increasing specificity, such as hepatosplenomegaly. (4) Hydrops fetalis is not a consequence of heart failure but rather of hypervolemia and high vascular permeability of fetuses, whereas heart failure is a very late consequence of a long-standing overworked heart. (5) Management guidelines for fetuses at risk of Hb Bart disease are proposed.