Abstract
Introduction: Fetal unguarded tricuspid valve orifice (UTVO) is characterized by a complete or partial absence of the tricuspid valvular tissue or sub-valvular apparatus and only case reports are available at present. We report a UTVO diagnosed by fetal autopsy. Case report: An 18-week fetus was diagnosed by prenatal ultrasound with tricuspid dysplasia with 'to-and-fro' flow across the right-sided heart. Fetal autopsy showed partial agenesis of tricuspid valve instead of valvular dysplasia. This supported a diagnosis of UTVO. Conclusion: Fetal autopsy can differentiate UTVO form other valve abnormalities. The 'to-and-fro' flow pattern across the right atrioventricular orifice could be used to differentiate UTVO from other valve dysplasias on echocardiography.
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