Impact of Advanced Ultrasound Imaging Techniques on Diagnosis of Congenital Heart Diseases in Neonates: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Congenital heart diseases (CHDs) are the most frequent congenital anomalies, requiring timely and accurate diagnosis to guide treatment and improve neonatal outcomes. Advanced ultrasound imaging techniques, including three-dimensional echocardiography, color Doppler, and tissue Doppler imaging, have emerged as valuable tools to enhance diagnostic precision. This study aimed to assess the impact of these advanced ultrasound modalities in diagnosing CHDs among neonates.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2021 at a tertiary hospital in Al Ahsa, Saudi Arabia. A total of 112 neonates with suspected CHDs underwent comprehensive echocardiographic evaluation using both conventional and advanced ultrasound imaging techniques. Data were retrieved retrospectively from the hospital’s electronic medical records, and diagnoses were compared with standard clinical outcomes.

Results: The use of advanced ultrasound techniques led to an improved sensitivity for diagnosing CHDs compared to conventional echocardiography (95% vs. 88%). These modalities also reduced the rate of inconclusive findings from 12% to 5%, facilitating earlier clinical intervention. Enhanced visualization of complex structural anomalies was particularly evident in neonates with severe forms of CHDs, demonstrating a 15% increase in diagnostic accuracy.

Conclusion: Incorporating advanced ultrasound imaging techniques into routine neonatal cardiac evaluation significantly improves the diagnostic accuracy and expedites clinical decision-making. This study supports the integration of three-dimensional echocardiography, color Doppler, and other cutting-edge modalities in standard clinical practice to optimize care for neonates with suspected CHDs.