Evolution of fetal ultrasonography

Association Between Airway Stenosis Degree and Respiratory Distress in Infants With a Vascular Ring

Background Although the number of cases of prenatally diagnosed vascular rings is increasing, some cases may remain asymptomatic, and no indicator of the appearance of dyspnea has been established. Thus, we aimed to determine the relationship between the degree of airway compression by the vascular ring on contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) and respiratory distress. Methods This is a retrospective study of nine patients diagnosed with vascular rings at a single hospital from July 2010 to December 2019. Data regarding the patient's clinical characteristics, such as prenatal diagnosis, vascular ring type, complicated cardiac disease, and presence or absence of surgery, were recorded. Airway assessment on contrast-enhanced CT was measured in the axial cross-section. Statistical analysis was performed using Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) (version 25.0; IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Armonk, NY). Results Five of the eight patients had respiratory distress. Patients with respiratory distress were less likely to have been diagnosed prenatally (p = 0.04) and had smaller stenosis degree of anteroposterior diameter (p = 0.03). Conclusion Contrast-enhanced CT is useful in patients with vascular rings. Our study suggests that the stenosis degree of the anterior-posterior diameter of the airway is related to dyspnea.

Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction/Hydronephrosis

Congenital hydronephrosis can be classified and managed based on the Urinary Tract Dilation consensus scoring system. Ureteropelvic junction obstruction is one of the most common causes of hydronephrosis in the pediatric population. Although most cases can be managed conservatively with follow-up and serial imaging, some patients need surgical repair because of renal function deterioration, infections, or symptoms. Additional research to create predictive algorithms or develop noninvasive biomarkers for renal deterioration is necessary to better identify surgical candidates. The robotic-assisted approach for pyeloplasty is becoming increasingly widespread and associated with shorter hospital stay, high success rates, and low complication rates.

The role of prenatal ultrasound assessment in management of fetal cervicofacial tumors

Ultrasound prenatal examination enables one to assess the facial skeleton and the neck from the first weeks of gestation. Cervicofacial tumors detected via prenatal ultrasound are very rarely reported fetal pathologies. They include cystic hygromas, teratomas, epulides, vascular tumors, and thyroid tumors. The tumor category, its location and vascularization pattern allow one to accurately establish a diagnosis which is usually confirmed by clinical examination of the neonate or a pathological examination (surgical specimen, biopsy, autopsy). The prenatal ultrasound diagnosis of cervicofacial tumor in the fetus allows planning of pregnancy management and fetal therapy, preparation of the delivery, and perinatal as well as neonatal treatment.

Pregnancy outcome after fetal reduction in women with a dichorionic twin pregnancy

STUDY QUESTION

What are the pregnancy outcomes for women with a twin pregnancy that is reduced to a singleton pregnancy?

SUMMARY ANSWER

Fetal reduction of a twin pregnancy significantly improves gestational age at birth and neonatal birthweight, however at an increased risk of pregnancy loss and preterm delivery.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

Women with a multiple pregnancy are at increased risk for preterm delivery. Fetal reduction can be considered in these women.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, AND DURATION

Retrospective cohort study of 118 women with a twin pregnancy reduced to a singleton pregnancy between 2000 and 2010.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, AND METHODS

We compared the outcome of pregnancy in consecutive women with a dichorionic twin pregnancy that was reduced to a singleton pregnancy to that of women with a dichorionic twin pregnancy that was managed expectantly and women with a primary singleton pregnancy. Reductions were performed between 10-23(6/7) weeks' gestation by intracardiac or intrathoracic injection of potassium chloride, mostly for congenital anomalies. We compared median gestational age, pregnancy loss <24 weeks, preterm delivery <32 weeks, neonatal birthweight and perinatal deaths.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

We studied 118 women with a twin pregnancy that was reduced to a singleton, 818 women with an ongoing dichorionic twin pregnancy and 611 women with a primary singleton pregnancy. Loss of the entire pregnancy <24 weeks and preterm delivery occurred significantly more in the reduction group compared with the ongoing twin group (11.9 versus 3.1% <24 weeks, P< 0.001 and 18.6 versus 11.5% <32 weeks, respectively, P < 0.001). In the reduction group, the percentage of women without any surviving child was significantly higher compared with the ongoing twin and primary singleton group (14.4, 3.4 and 0.7%, respectively, P < 0.001). Median gestational age was 38.9 weeks (interquartile range (IQR) 34.7-40.3) for reduced pregnancies, 37.1 weeks (IQR 35.3-38.1) for ongoing twin pregnancies and 40.1 (IQR 39.1-40.9) for primary singletons (P < 0.001 for all comparisons).

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION

The main limitations of the study were its retrospective character, and the fact that indications for reduction were heterogeneous.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

In women with a dichorionic twin pregnancy fetal reduction increases median gestational age only at considerable risk of complete early pregnancy loss.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS

The study was not funded. None of the authors has conflicts of interest.

Congenital vascular rings: a clinical challenge for the pediatrician

Vascular rings are congenital anomalies that lead to variable degrees of respiratory problems or feeding difficulties by forming a complete or partial ring compressing the trachea, the bronchi, and the esophagus. The clinical diagnosis of vascular rings is often challenging for the pediatrician because the clinical manifestations are heterogeneous and nonspecific. Symptoms can vary from wheezing, stridor, dyspnea, and/or dysphagia to life-threatening conditions; however, they may not be present. The aim of this study is to review the recent literature on this subject and describe new developments in diagnostics and imaging.

Retrospective chart review of 44 fetuses with cervicofacial tumors in the sonographic assessment

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this retrospective study was to review and analyze ultrasonography examinations and follow-up of fetuses with cervicofacial tumors to develop bases for counseling specialist involved in perinatal treatment.

METHODS

The study consisted of case series with chart review of 44 fetuses with cervicofacial tumors diagnosed in utero by ultrasonography. The study was carried in Department of Diagnosis and Prevention of Congenital Malformations, Medical University of Lodz in years 1998-2013. The analysis of the fetuses with cervicofacial tumors included assessment of fetal sonographic features, neonatal survival and in utero as well as perinatal treatments. The obtained data were analyzed by the standard statistical tests and the Pearson's Chi square test, statistical significance at p=0.05.

RESULTS

Cervicofacial tumors were detected at mean 19±7 weeks of gestation. Eighty-two percent of the fetuses were males. Lymphatic malformations followed by teratomas were the most common fetal tumors in the cervicofacial region. In most cases, fetuses with cervicofacial tumors had other abnormalities. Mortality rate in our case series was 43%. In utero treatment was introduced in 6 fetuses. In 4 neonates prenatal sonographic assessment revealed upper airway patency and EXIT procedure (ex-utero intrapartum treatment) was introduced.

CONCLUSION

Prenatal sonographic detection of cervicofacial tumor, in case of lymphatic malformations possibly as early as in the first trimester, in case of craniofacial teratomas, cervical teratomas, hemangiomas and thyroid tumors possibly as early as in the second trimester, and in case of epignathi possibly in the third trimester, permits planning further course of pregnancy as well as EXIT procedure before delivery.

Prenatal ultrasonographic detection of ophthalmic diseases

Four patients with prenatal sonographic findings suggestive of ophthalmic pathology were detected in utero. The definitive diagnoses of infantile fibrosarcoma, persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous/persistent fetal vasculature, Fraser syndrome, and microphthalmia with coloboma and retrobulbar cyst were made postnatally. High-resolution intrauterine sonograms expedited ophthalmic referral and influenced prenatal planning.

Diagnosis of fetal limb abnormalities before 15 weeks: cause for concern

OBJECTIVES

The purposes of this study were (1) to identify cases of limb abnormalities identified before 15 weeks and correlate with outcomes and (2) to assess first-trimester nuchal translucency examinations to determine how frequently the upper and lower limbs were identified.

METHODS

A retrospective review was conducted of sonographic studies up to 15 weeks' gestational age from 2003 to 2010 at our high-risk fetal center. Data were collected regarding fetal gestational age, limb abnormalities, associated anatomic abnormalities, pregnancy outcomes, karyotypes, autopsy results, and the utility of transabdominal sonography, transvaginal sonography, and 3-dimensional sonography. A retrospective analysis of 100 consecutive first-trimester examinations was also conducted to assess the sensitivity of transabdominal sonography in visualization of limb buds.

RESULTS

A total of 15 cases were identified with a mean gestational age of 12 weeks 6 days. Club hand was the most common abnormality seen (8 cases), followed by absence of long bones (5 cases), a missing limb (5 cases), club foot (5 cases), shortening of long bones (2 cases), abnormal hands (2 cases), clenched hands (2 cases), and overlapping digits (1 case). Trisomy 18 was present in 9 cases. Transabdominal sonography allowed for detection of all limb buds in 100 consecutive nuchal translucency examinations and 9 of 15 cases of limb abnormalities. Four of the cases resulted in fetal death, and the remaining 11 cases were terminated.

CONCLUSIONS

Fetal limb abnormalities can be detected on sonography before 15 weeks' gestational age and are often associated with serious congenital conditions, especially trisomy 18. Transabdominal sonography alone can show most of these abnormalities, although transvaginal and 3-dimensional sonography can provide additional information. Targeted evaluation of fetal limbs during sonography before 15 weeks should be considered in high-risk populations.

Fetal biometry by an inexperienced operator using two- and three-dimensional ultrasound

OBJECTIVE

To compare the reproducibility, accuracy and time required for fetal biometric measurements using two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) ultrasonography by an inexperienced operator.

METHODS

Fifty consecutive fetuses were evaluated at a gestational age of 17-34 weeks. For every fetus measurements-including biparietal diameter (BPD), head circumference (HC), abdominal circumference (AC) and femur length (FL)-were made by an inexperienced operator using 2D ultrasound and then saved 3D volumes. As a control, measurements were also made by an experienced operator using 2D ultrasonography alone. Each fetal biometric parameter was measured twice by each operator. All images were assessed by two experienced reviewers, blinded to the operator's identity, using a scoring system based on objective evaluation criteria.

RESULTS

The interobserver, intraobserver and inter- method variability for 2D ultrasonography by the experienced operator (2D-exp), and 2D and 3D ultrasonography by the inexperienced operator (2D-inexp and 3D-inexp) was small (all intraclass correlation coefficients > or = 0.991). A non-significantly higher proportion of fetal biometric measurements by 3D-inexp than 2D-inexp were within 1 mm of the measurements by 2D-exp. There were no differences in the mean image quality scores of fetal biometry between 2D-exp and 2D-inexp, 2D-exp and 3D-inexp. However, the quality score of AC images obtained by 3D-inexp was greater than that obtained by 2D-inexp (5.5 vs. 5.3, P = 0.018). The mean time required to measure BPD, HC, AC and FL was less for 3D-inexp than for 2D-inexp (67.2 vs. 97.0 s, 64.6 vs. 97.0 s, 60.1 vs. 81.5 s and 65.5 vs. 95.1 s, respectively; all P < 0.001), but was significantly greater than for 2D-exp, with corresponding figures of 24.3, 24.3, 27.9 and 27.2 s.

CONCLUSION

Fetal biometric measurements obtained by an inexperienced operator using both 2D and 3D ultrasound were reproducible and showed good agreement with those obtained by an experienced operator. The use of 3D ultrasound by an inexperienced operator allows faster measurements to be made than by 2D ultrasound and also seems to facilitate the acquisition of higher-quality images for measurement of AC.

First trimester ultrasound: current approaches and practical pitfalls

Revolutionary technological improvements and high-frequency transvaginal scanning have enabled the resolution of ultrasound imaging in the first trimester to increase such that detailed early fetal development can now be well visualized. This investment in imaging technology has enabled not only normal embryonic development but also chromosomal abnormalities and structural anomalies to be more easily and accurately diagnosed before the second trimester. This article is intended to help radiologists in the interpretation and clinical application of normal and abnormal first trimester ultrasound findings in early pregnancy. We review the current literature and applications and interpretations of first trimester ultrasound.

Morphometric study on the characteristic external features of normal and abnormal human embryos

The embryonic period is characterized by organogenesis and accompanying dynamic changes in external features. The measurement of human embryos has been limited to whole body dimensions, such as crown-rump length. More detailed measurements would add quantitative information about these characteristic events and provide a better understanding of normal and abnormal embryonic development. In the present study, we defined axes, landmarks, and measurements for human embryos, and measured 250 externally normal human embryos at Carnegie stages 14-23 (6.5-29.3 mm in crown-rump length, approximately 5-8 weeks of estimated ovulation age) that were fixed in Bouin's solution and preserved in 10% formalin solution. The axes, landmarks, and measurements defined for human embryos are corresponding to those in human and primate fetuses. The whole body, head, face, and extremities were measured using a scale attached to a dissecting microscope. Axial length, head height plus ear-shoulder length plus trunk height, was designated as a new measurement of the whole body, which is comparable with crown-rump length. Approximate standards of these measurements were obtained. The ratios of some measurements to trunk height and between the different parts were also obtained, and several different developmental patterns were recognized. The reproducibility of each measurement was evaluated by measuring 50 specimens three times each at intervals of one or two months. As a pilot study for the application of the proposed measurements, 84 human embryos with external anomalies, including holoprosencephaly, anomalies of extremities, and pharyngeal arch anomalies, were measured using the same method, and a few tendencies characteristic to holoprosencephaly were noticed.

Outcome of isolated antenatal hydronephrosis: a prospective cohort study

The purpose of this study was to report the outcome of infants with antenatal hydronephrosis. Between May 1999 and June 2006, all patients diagnosed with isolated fetal renal pelvic dilatation (RPD) were prospectively followed. The events of interest were: presence of uropathy, need for surgical intervention, RPD resolution, urinary tract infection (UTI), and hypertension. RPD was classified as mild (5-9.9 mm), moderate (10-14.9 mm) or severe (>or=15 mm). A total of 192 patients was included in the analysis; 114 were assigned to the group of non-significant findings (59.4%) and 78 to the group of significant uropathy (40.6%). Of 89 patients with mild dilatation, 16 (18%) presented uropathy. Median follow-up time was 24 months. Twenty-seven patients (15%) required surgical intervention. During follow-up, UTI occurred in 27 (14%) children. Of 89 patients with mild dilatation, seven (7.8%) presented UTI during follow-up. Renal function, blood pressure, and somatic growth were within normal range at last visit. The majority of patients with mild fetal RPD have no significant findings during infancy. Nevertheless, our prospective study has shown that 18% of these patients presented uropathy and 7.8% had UTI during a medium-term follow-up time. Our findings suggested that, in contrast to patients with moderate/severe RPD, infants with mild RPD do not require invasive diagnostic procedures but need strict clinical surveillance for UTI and progression of RPD.