Obstetric Imaging: Fetal Diagnosis and Care

Craniosynostosis

Introduction The development of the fetal skull is a complex process involving intramembranous and endochondral ossification. The fetal cranium comprises bony plates that are joined together by areas of dense fibrous tissue termed cranial sutures, comprised of the sagittal, coronal,…

Abnormal Hands: Focus on the Thumbs

Introduction Routine second-trimester ultrasound (US) examination typically involves only a cursory evaluation of the extremities, documenting the presence or absence of the arms and legs; however, comprehensive evaluation of the fetal extremities often yields critical information. Anomalies of the hands…

Spinal Abnormalities and Klippel-Feil Syndrome

Introduction Spinal malformations associated with vertebral segmentation defects and progressive fusions are seen in numerous syndromes, particularly those associated with skeletal dysplasias. Among spinal malformations, one of the best-described constellation of findings is Klippel-Feil syndrome (KFS), a triad of short…

Caudal Regression Syndrome

Introduction Caudal regression syndrome (CRS), also known as caudal regression sequence, caudal dysplasia, caudal aplasia, femoral hypoplasia, phocomelic diabetic embryopathy, or sacral agenesis , is a spectrum of anomalies involving the caudal end of the trunk. The pathogenesis involves abnormal…

Acrofacial Dysostosis

Introduction Among newborns with birth defects, approximately one-third show craniofacial abnormalities, which cause significant morbidity and mortality. More than 700 distinct craniofacial syndromes have been described to date. Facial dysostoses can be divided into two types: mandibulofacial dysostoses (MFDs) and…

Other Type II Collagen Disorders

Introduction Achondrogenesis II, hypochondrogenesis, platyspondylic Torrance type, spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita (SEDC) ( Chapter 56 ), Kniest dysplasia, spondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasia, Strudwick type, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, spondyloperipheral dysplasia, spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia with metatarsal shortening (Czech type), autosomal dominant spondyloarthropathy, and Stickler syndrome form the…

Spondyloepiphyseal Dysplasia Congenita

Introduction Spondyloepiphyseal dysplasias are rare, nonlethal disorders of bone growth. These disorders primarily affect the spine (spondylo-) and the ends of the long bones (epiphyseal), resulting in a short-trunk dwarfism. These disorders are clinically and genetically heterogeneous. Some spondyloepiphyseal dysplasias…

Russell-Silver Syndrome

Introduction Russell-Silver syndrome (RSS) or Silver-Russell syndrome is one of the growth deficiency disorders that form part of the increasing group of congenital imprinting disorders. RSS is characterized by severe intrauterine and postnatal growth restriction. Other abnormalities include relative macrocephaly,…