[Prenatal diagnosis of a severe heart defect (author's transl)].

Report of the case of a 22 year old primigravida. At 37 weeks gestation an ultra-sound examination was carried out because of fetal bradycardia. An atrial septal defect was found with a complete atrial ventricle canal. (AV canal). These findings were corroberated at autopsy in addition a polyspienic syndrome with multiple thoracic and abdominal malformations was found. The antepartum diagnosis permitted a team approach to the case. The infant was immediately transferred to the cardiac centre where a pace maker was placed and angiography carried out. Ante-partum ultra-sound diagnosis of congenital heart disease permits optimal neonatal treatment.