First-trimester diagnosis of fetal congenital heart disease by transvaginal two-dimensional and Doppler echocardiography
Article Abstract:
Traditional obstetrical ultrasonography transmits high-frequency sound through a transducer placed on the abdomen to visualize the fetus. Transvaginal ultrasound, on the other hand, transmits sound through a probe inserted into the vagina. The high-resolution images produced by the transvaginal method can detect fetal malformations very early in pregnancy. A 21-year-old woman who was 11 weeks pregnant was referred for ultrasound because of an abnormally slow fetal heart rate. Since the mother was obese, the abdominal transducer was far away from the fetus, producing a poor ultrasonographic image. Although fetal swelling was noted, details were obscured because of the poor imaging. The transvaginal transducer, which was closer to the fetus, produced a high-resolution image of the four chambers of the fetal heart. An abnormal communication between two of the chambers of the heart, atrioventricular defect, was detected. In addition, complete heart block was diagnosed using Doppler ultrasonography, the use of high-frequency sound to study the movement of blood through blood vessels. Since the outcome of pregnancies complicated with fetal swelling and congenital heart defect are poor, the pregnancy was terminated. This is the earliest detection of a fetal heart defect. Transvaginal ultrasound combined with Doppler ultrasound is a useful diagnostic tool in the first three months of pregnancy. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Obstetrics and Gynecology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0029-7844
Year: 1990
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Results of systematic screening for minor degrees of fetal renal pelvis dilatation in an unselected population
Article Abstract:
Measuring the size of the renal pelvis of unborn babies during an ultrasound scan may identify babies who may develop kidney disease after birth, according to a study of 5,643 unborn babies. Five percent had a larger than normal renal pelvis. About 40% of these babies developed kidney disease within one year of birth. The renal pelvis is a structure on the outside of the kidney.
Publication Name: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-9378
Year: 2003
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Fetal serum concentrations of cystatin C and beta(sub 2)-microglobulin as predictors of postnatal kidney function
Article Abstract:
Elevated levels of cystatin and beta(sub 2) microglobulin in a baby's cord blood can be used prenatally to diagnose kidney disease. Researchers established reference standards for both substances in a study of 84 fetuses.
Publication Name: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-9378
Year: 2001
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