Chen CP, Chang TY, Su YN, Hsu CY, Wang W. Prenatal two- and three-dimensional ultrasound diagnosis of limb reduction defects associated with homozygous alpha-thalassemia.
Fetal Diagn Ther 2006;
21:374-9. [PMID:
16757914 DOI:
10.1159/000092468]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2005] [Accepted: 09/05/2005] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES
We present the prenatal two-dimensional (2D-) and three-dimensional ultrasound (3D-US) diagnosis of limb reduction defects associated with homozygous alpha-thalassemia and a review of the literature.
METHODS
At 17 weeks' gestation, amniocentesis was performed for cytogenetic and molecular studies, and 2D- and 3D-US examinations were made for evaluation of the fetal malformations.
RESULTS
Amniocentesis revealed a 46,XY karyotype and molecular analysis of the amniocytes showed that the fetus was homozygous for the Southeast Asian deletion (--SEA/--SEA). 2D-US examination revealed bilateral ventriculomegaly, brachycephaly, pleural effusion, digital deficiency and hypoplasia of the right foot, and digital deficiency of the left foot. 3D-US confirmed the distal limb reduction defects.
CONCLUSIONS
When the fetus is at risk for homozygous alpha-thalassemia, 2D- and 3D-US examinations are useful for prenatal detection of the associated limb reduction defects. Prenatal identification of the possible association with limb reduction defects is important for parental counseling and decision-making when intrauterine fetal therapy is an option.
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