Key Points Fetal hydrops is defined as the accumulation of fluid in two fetal compartments (abdominal ascites, pleural effusion, pericardial effusion, skin or scalp oedema). It may also be associated with polyhydramnios and placental oedema. Immune hydrops is the result…
Key Points Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is practically defined as a sonographic estimated fetal weight of less than the 10th percentile for gestational age. In actuality, a growth-restricted fetus is one that is unable to meet its inherent growth potential…
Key Points Most fetuses with a prenatal diagnosis of a congenital abnormality can be managed expectantly. For some conditions, in utero referral is mandatory for planned delivery and management after birth. Fetal surgery is only required for conditions that cannot…
Key Points Fetal tumours are rare and should be managed by an experienced multidisciplinary team. Magnetic resonance imaging is an important imaging modality in the diagnosis and management of fetal tumours. Fetal neck masses may result in airway obstruction and…
Key Points Hydrops fetalis is a pathological condition of excessive fluid accumulation in at least two extravascular compartments, including fetal soft tissues and body cavities. Hydrops fetalis is a clinical finding and not a final diagnosis. There are two main…
Key Points The fetal face can be visualised by ultrasound from 9 weeks’ gestation onwards. After 9 weeks’ gestation, only proportional changes occur in the fetal face. Clefts and micrognathia are the most common facial anomalies. In many genetic disorders,…
Key Points Diagnosis of skeletal anomalies is challenging and requires time and a team approach, including clinical geneticists, paediatricians and pathologists. This chapter deals with the prenatal diagnosis of skeletal anomalies. It gives aids to diagnosis and categorises conditions by…
Key Points When a fetal urinary tract anomaly is identified, careful ultrasound examination is required to exclude coexistent anomalies. In the presence of a coexistent anomaly, the risk for aneuploidy and single-gene disorders as an underlying aetiology should be considered…
Key Points The embryologic processes involved in development of the abdominal wall and viscera are complex and most anomalies can be defined through their developmental origin. The abdominal viscera are our metabolic powerhouse but have little functional significance in a…
Key Points Congenital diaphragmatic hernia occurs in 1 to 4 in 10,000 births. The condition is isolated in more than 50% of the cases. The main causes of mortality and morbidity are respiratory insufficiency and persistent pulmonary hypertension of the…