fetal premature ventricular contractions

Fetal premature ventricular contractions (FPVC) are a type ectopic ventricular contractions detected in utero. They are a type of extrasystoles.

Premature ventricular contractions are often followed by a compensatory pause due to the refractory state of the conduction system; the next conducted impulse arrives at twice the normal interval, and the continuity of the rhythm is not broken.

Pathology

FPVC's can be associated with:

• myocarditis: fetal cardiomyopathy
• cardiac tumors (e.g cardiac rhabdomyoma)
• long QT syndrome
• electrolyte imbalances
• complete AV block with slow ventricular escape rhythm

Prognosis

Most isolated FPVC's usually resolve spontaneously prior to delivery and those that persist into neonatal period usually resolve within 6 weeks. They can however rarely result in more complex arrhythmias (supraventricular tachycardia in 0.4-1% of cases).

See also

• fetal tachycardia
• fetal tachyarrhythmia
• fetal premature atrial contractions

Siehe auch:

• Rhabdomyom des Herzens
• fetal premature atrial contractions
• fetal tachyarrhythmias
• supraventricular tachycardia
• fetal sinus tachycardia
• cardiomyopathy (fetal)