Abdominal Ascites Definition Ascites is an abnormal fluid collection within the fetal peritoneal cavity and is often the first finding in hydrops fetalis. Ascites is present in 85% of cases of nonimmune hydrops fetalis. Isolated fetal ascites indicates there is…
Despite the widespread recognition of the importance of prenatal detection of congenital heart disease (CHD), screening for fetal heart disease remains one of the most challenging and, unfortunately, least successful aspects of fetal ultrasonography. The rate of prenatal detection of…
Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Definition Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) refers to an embryologic defect in the diaphragm resulting in variable degrees of herniation of abdominal contents into the thoracic cavity. Incidence and Pathogenesis Incidence is 2.4:10,000 to 4.9:10,000. Most are sporadic.…
Cleft Lip and Palate Definition Cleft lip: failure of fusion of the left, right, or bilateral maxillary prominence with the medial nasal prominence. Concomitant cleft palate is present in 80% of cases. Least severe form involves the superficial vermilion border…
Cephalocele Definition Cephaloceles are cranial defects along bony sutures in which there is a herniation of the brain and/or meninges. Cephaloceles can be occipital, parietal, or frontal; in the Western Hemisphere, 80% are occipital. If the cephalocele sac contains brain…
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has an established role in evaluation of maternal conditions, placenta accreta spectrum, and fetal anomalies. Fetal malformations are addressed in other chapters; here we review the role of MRI, emphasizing appropriate utilization in order to maximize…
Three-dimensional (3D) and four-dimensional (4D) ultrasonography (US), also referred to as volume sonography, have developed significantly in recent years. Two-dimensional (2D) US remains the backbone of sonographic imaging, to which 3D and 4D US have contributed an additional layer of…
Though gray-scale ultrasound is ubiquitous in contemporary obstetric practice, it is limited in its ability to assess fetal hemodynamic status. Adding color, power, and pulsed Doppler ultrasound functions greatly improves understanding of fetal circulation and hemodynamic status. Doppler ultrasound detects…
The midtrimester fetal ultrasound examination (“anatomy scan”) serves as an important checkpoint for evaluation of the pregnancy and its potential risks. It affords an opportunity to compare obstetric dating with fetal biometric measures, and it permits, prior to fetal viability,…
All those who drink of this remedy recover in a short time, except those whom it does not help, who die. Therefore, it is obvious that it fails only in incurable cases. Galen (circa AD 100) Evidence-Based Medicine in Perspective…