RDCS Fetal Echo study plan
RDCS Fetal Echo · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 7 hours per week
Fetal Cardiac Anatomy and Normal Echocardiographic Appearance & Ultrasound Physics, Instrumentation, and Bioeffects/Safety
Map fetal cardiac situs, axis, and position relative to stomach, spine, and descending aorta
Demonstrate each component of the standard fetal echocardiographic view set (four-chamber, outflow tracts, three-vessel trachea, aortic and ductal arches, caval views)
Identify the sonographic landmarks that distinguish each view and the structure pairs compared in each
Configure machine presets, focal zone, frequency, and frame rate for a second/third-trimester fetal cardiac study
State ALARA principles and the output display indices (TI, MI) that govern exposure limits
Your checkpoint
Draw-and-label the eight standard views from memory on a blank sheet, then write a one-page practice sheet of machine settings and output-index limits for obstetric cardiac imaging.
Fetal Cardiac Anatomy and Normal Echocardiographic Appearance & Congenital Heart Disease and Fetal Cardiac Pathology
Differentiate a normal four-chamber view from an abnormal one using size, symmetry, crux, and septal criteria
Trace systemic and pulmonary venous return into the atria and describe normal foramen ovale and ductus arteriosus flow patterns
Recognize the cardinal screening red flags (cardiomegaly, axis deviation, septal defect, valve override, effusion)
Explain how fetal circulation shunts alter the appearance of septal and outflow tract defects
Your checkpoint
Complete a 25-item self-written normal-versus-abnormal image-pattern quiz and score at least 85% without notes.
Congenital Heart Disease and Fetal Cardiac Pathology
Classify conotruncal anomalies by their great-artery relationship and ventricular origin
Compare septal defects, atrioventricular septal defects, and single-ventricle lesions on four-chamber criteria
Distinguish left-sided and right-sided obstructive lesions using ventricular size, valve appearance, and Doppler
Predict which lesions are ductal-dependent and describe the expected direction of ductal and foramen ovale flow
Correlate each major lesion with its associated extracardiac and genetic findings
Your checkpoint
Build a comparison table covering 10 major congenital heart lesions with columns for four-chamber appearance, outflow appearance, Doppler hallmark, ductal dependence, and associated anomalies.
Congenital Heart Disease and Fetal Cardiac Pathology & Fetal Cardiac Function, Rhythm, and Hemodynamics
Measure and interpret cardiothoracic ratio, ventricular wall thickness, and chamber dimensions against gestational-age references
Quantify systolic ventricular function using fractional shortening and fractional area change with correct caliper placement
Obtain and interpret atrioventricular and semilunar valve inflow/outflow Doppler waveforms
Calculate the myocardial performance (Tei) index and describe its limitations in the fetus
Your checkpoint
Produce a one-page metric card listing each functional measurement with its acquisition plane, normal range, and clinical caveat; self-test on it one week later.
Fetal Cardiac Function, Rhythm, and Hemodynamics
Interpret M-mode and Doppler tracings to establish fetal heart rate and atrial-to-ventricular rhythm relationship
Differentiate benign irregular rhythm from sustained tachyarrhythmia and bradyarrhythmia by mechanism
Evaluate umbilical artery, umbilical vein, and ductus venosus waveforms as markers of fetal hemodynamic status
Explain the hemodynamic consequences of twin-twin transfusion and cardiac output redistribution
Your checkpoint
Write four short rhythm-strip interpretations (normal, intermittent irregular, re-entrant tachycardia, complete heart block) with rate, mechanism, and next step stated for each.
Ultrasound Physics, Instrumentation, and Bioeffects/Safety & Fetal Cardiac Function, Rhythm, and Hemodynamics
Explain Doppler physics including angle dependence, Nyquist limit, aliasing, and wall filter settings for low-velocity fetal flow
Adjust gain, scale, and sample volume to optimize spectral and color Doppler of fetal cardiac flows
Identify common artifacts (side lobe, mirror image, flash, ghosting, axial ambiguity) and describe how to eliminate each
Apply thermal and mechanical index reasoning to justify limiting Doppler exposure time in first trimester
Your checkpoint
Create an artifact troubleshooting flowchart plus a Doppler optimization checklist, and verify each step live on a machine or simulator.
Examination Technique, Indications, and Clinical Integration & Fetal Cardiac Anatomy and Normal Echocardiographic Appearance
Select appropriate indications for screening versus comprehensive fetal echocardiography and state timing windows
Sequence a complete examination protocol including sweep technique, documentation, and measurement order
Integrate cardiac findings with extracardiac survey, nuchal translucency, and aneuploidy markers
Formulate a communication plan for parental counseling and multidisciplinary referral after an abnormal finding
Your checkpoint
Write a full mock examination protocol and a sample parental counseling script, then time a complete simulated 30-minute study walkthrough.
Fetal Cardiac Anatomy and Normal Echocardiographic Appearance & Congenital Heart Disease and Fetal Cardiac Pathology & Fetal Cardiac Function, Rhythm, and Hemodynamics & Ultrasound Physics, Instrumentation, and Bioeffects/Safety & Examination Technique, Indications, and Clinical Integration
Complete a timed 100-item cumulative practice examination covering all five domains
Re-drill every missed item into a corrected concept card with the underlying principle stated
Rehearse the eight standard views and key Doppler measurements end to end without reference material
Consolidate physics formulas, safety limits, and measurement norms into a single final review sheet
Your checkpoint
Achieve at least 80% on the cumulative practice examination and submit a prioritized list of no more than 10 remaining weak areas with a re-study action for each.
Milestones
Week 2: Identify all eight standard views and normal four-chamber criteria from blank-paper recall with no misses; score 85% or higher on the self-written normal-versus-abnormal quiz.
Week 4: Explain the four-chamber and outflow appearance, Doppler hallmark, and ductal dependence for 10 major lesions without notes, and correctly state acquisition plane and normal range for each functional metric.
Week 6: Correctly diagnose mechanism and next step on four rhythm tracings, and identify artifact versus true flow on at least 9 of 10 practice images using the troubleshooting flowchart.
Week 8: Score 80% or higher on the timed 100-item cumulative examination, with no domain below 70%, and finish with a written list of 10 or fewer prioritized weak areas.