The prognosis of common arterial trunk from a fetal perspective: A prenatal cohort study and systematic literature review

Objective: The limited number of large fetal cohort studies on common arterial trunk (CAT) impedes prenatal counseling at midgestation. This study evaluates the prognosis of CAT from a fetal perspective. Method: Fetuses with a prenatally diagnosed CAT were extracted from the PRECOR registry (2002–2016). We evaluated fetal and postnatal survival and the presence of additional morbidity at last follow-up. Literature databases were searches systematically for additional cases. Results: Thirty-eight cases with a prenatal diagnosis of CAT were identified in our registry, of which 18/38 (47%) opted for pregnancy termination (TOP). Two cases resulted in spontaneous intrauterine demise (10%, 2/20), six cases demised postnatally (33%, 6/18), leaving 60% (12/20) alive, after exclusion of TOP, at a mean age of six (range: 2–10 years). Additional morbidity was found in 42% (5/12) of survivors, including 22q11.2 deletion syndrome, Adams-Oliver syndrome and intestinal atresia, whereas 8% (1/12) had developmental delay. The remaining 30% (6/12) of survivors appeared isolated with normal development. All of whom six required replacement of the initial right ventricle to pulmonary artery conduit. Additionally, we reviewed 197 literature cases on short-term outcome. Conclusion: The risk of fetal and neonatal demise, as well as significant morbidity amongst survivors, should be included in prenatal counseling for CAT.