Human caudal appendage diagnosed prenatally with ultrasound

Prenatal Diagnosis of Congenital Dermal Sinus

Background Congenital dermal sinus (CDS) is an uncommon form of spinal dysraphism. Although postdelivery identification in the neonate is aided by several associated physical examination findings, establishing this diagnosis prenatally has proven to be elusive. Case Report We present a case of CDS where the prenatal findings at 20 weeks gestation led to the diagnosis, which was confirmed postnatally. The associated protrusion of fibrotic membranes through the sinus tract helped in the identification of this lesion prenatally, but created confusion with a more common type of lesion, an open neural tube defect. This is the first case report in the literature describing prenatal diagnosis of fetal CDS. Conclusion Prenatal diagnosis with postnatal confirmation of CDS leads to early intervention, better long-term outcomes, and lesser complications.

First-trimester ultrasound: current uses and applications

This article is aimed to aid the sonographer and medical care provider in better interpretation and clinical application of first-trimester ultrasound findings in early pregnancy. We review current uses, applications, and interpretations of first-trimester ultrasound. A discussion of basic embryology and normal as well as abnormal first-trimester sonographic findings are discussed. We also cover the utility of the first-trimester ultrasound in screening for fetal aneuploidy. Attention is also given to the role of the first-trimester ultrasound in the prediction of adverse perinatal and maternal outcomes.