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Little information has been published regarding rates of visualization of fetal anatomic
structures or factors affecting visualization in unselected patients. We prospectively
studied these points by scoring visualization of intracranial, spinal, cardiac, ventral
wall, umbilical cord, stomach, bladder, and genital anatomy in 573 consecutive midtrimester
scans in which no fetal anomalies were seen. Each feature was scored 0, 1, or 2, corresponding
to poor, adequate, or optimal visualization, and these eight numbers were summed for
an overall visualization score. Overall visualization fell abruptly beyond maternal
weight 165 pounds
(p < 0.001) and rose with advancing gestational age (p < 0.001). Placental location did not significantly influence visualization. Overall,
an adequate screening scan, defined as adequate visualization of central nervous system,
heart, stomach, ventral wall, bladder, and cord was obtained in 51% of scans, and
optimal visualization of each of these in only 9% of cases. Factors that might improve
anatomic visualization and the implications of these results for the use of ultrasonography
in screening for congenital anomalies are discussed.
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References
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Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
June 2,
1990
Received in revised form:
May 21,
1990
Received:
June 30,
1989
Identification
Copyright
© 1990 Mosby. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.