Fetal tachyarrhythmia – current state of knowledge

Abstract

Fetal tachyarrhythmia occurs in approximately 10% of all fetal arrhythmias. The majority of fetal tachyarrhythmias occur due to atrioventricular reentrant type of supraventricular tachycardia. A fetal tachycardic heart is at risk of developing low cardiac output, hydrops and ultimately fetal death or significant neurological morbidity. Reliable diagnosis of fetal tachyarrhythmia is possible by echocardiography and is crucial for a managed therapeutic approach. The goals of therapy for fetal tachyarrhythmias are to restore sinus rhythm, resolve heart failure and postpone delivery before term. A review of fetal tachyarrhythmias has been reported in our work.