Glossary: report words, translated

ASD atrial septal defect

A hole between the two upper chambers. Small ones are common in the fetus and many close or shrink after birth. Often minor or self-resolving

VSD ventricular septal defect

A hole between the two pumping chambers. Significance depends almost entirely on size and position; many are small and some close spontaneously. Depends on size and position

AVSD / AV canal atrioventricular septal defect

A combined defect in the middle of the heart where the walls and valves meet. Usually needs surgery in infancy; often discussed with genetic testing. Usually significant - needs a specialist team

Echogenic focus EIF, "golf ball"

A bright spot of calcium-like density, most often in the left ventricle. In isolation it does not impair heart function; it is discussed because it slightly shifts statistical risk models. Usually benign in isolation

Situs solitus normal arrangement

The normal layout of heart and organs - the report saying "situs solitus" is a good, boring result. Normal finding

Dextrocardia heart points right

The heart points to the right instead of the left. Alone, with otherwise normal anatomy, it can be an innocent variation; with mirrored organs (situs inversus) or other defects it needs full assessment. Context decides - full echo needed

Outflow tract LVOT / RVOT

The pipelines each ventricle uses to send blood out - the aorta from the left, the pulmonary artery from the right. "Normal crossing" of these two is a key screening checkpoint. Anatomy term, not a diagnosis

TOF tetralogy of Fallot

A combination of four related findings centered on a VSD and a narrowed pulmonary outflow. One of the more common significant lesions; repaired surgically, usually in the first year. Severity varies widely. Significant - spectrum is wide

TGA transposition of the great arteries

The two great arteries are swapped, so the circuits don't connect the normal way. Needs planned delivery at a cardiac center; typically repaired surgically in the first weeks. Serious - requires specialized delivery planning

HLHS hypoplastic left heart syndrome

The left side of the heart is too small to do its job. One of the most serious lesions; delivered at specialist centers and treated with a staged series of operations. Outcomes have improved substantially but remain individually variable. Serious - long staged treatment

Coarctation aortic narrowing

A narrowing of the aorta after it leaves the heart. Suspected prenatally sometimes resolves, sometimes needs repair after birth; delivery at a cardiac-capable center is usually planned. Often needs postnatal care; spectrum wide

Doppler flow study

Ultrasound that shows blood-flow direction and speed. A technique, not a finding - "Doppler normal" is good news. Technique, not a diagnosis

Rhythm - SINUS normal rhythm

"Sinus rhythm" is the normal heart rhythm - the report noting it means the rhythm check was normal. Normal finding

Tachycardia / bradycardia fast / slow rhythm

A sustained heart rate above or below the normal fetal range. Some cases resolve with monitoring, some need treatment before birth; a genuine finding that goes to a rhythm specialist. Needs specialist follow-up

"Suboptimal views" image-quality note

Fetal position, movement, or maternal factors made some images hard to get. A statement about the pictures, not the heart. Usually means a repeat scan. About the images, not the baby

Hydrops fluid accumulation

Fluid collecting in the fetus (skin, abdomen, lungs), which can accompany severe heart strain. An important word that always warrants prompt specialist attention. Serious - prompt attention needed

Nuchal translucency NT

Fluid space at the back of the neck measured at 11-14 weeks. A larger NT modestly raises the chance of various findings including heart differences - one reason some echoes are scheduled early. A screening marker, not a diagnosis

Definitions follow the plain-language approach of ISUOG patient information and standard embryology texts; severity notes are general orientations, not case-specific judgments.