Prenatal diagnosis of fetal intracranial calcifications

Article Abstract:

A case is reported in which calcifications within the brain of a fetus of 36.5 gestational weeks' age were noted on computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging (two methods of fetal imaging that provide very precise views of the brain). Such calcifications occur only rarely, and are characteristic of severe congenital cytomegalovirus infection of the brain. The brain ventricles (spaces in the brain through which fluid circulates) had appeared enlarged earlier in pregnancy when examined with ultrasound. Analysis of blood samples from the mother showed the presence of cytomegalovirus, which was also present in the amniotic fluid in which the fetus floats. Tests of the infant revealed that it was also infected. The baby was delivered after 39.5 weeks' gestation, and showed signs of psychomotor retardation (abnormal reflexes and inability to perform age-specific movements) and spasticity (muscle impairment). Detection of cerebral calcifications in fetuses by noninvasive tests such as those reported is a valuable alternative to more invasive methods. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Methods, Case studies, Diagnosis, Fetus, Cytomegalovirus infections, Prenatal diagnosis, Prenatal ultrasonography

---

Necrotizing funisitis: clinical significance and association with chronic lung disease in premature infants

Article Abstract:

Inflammation of the umbilical cord may increase the risk of lung disease in the newborn. Necrotizing funisitis is chronic umbilical cord inflammation with deposition of material around umbilical blood vessels. Researchers evaluated 18 pregnant women with inflammation of the fetal membranes who delivered premature babies. Those with necrotizing funisitis were significantly more likely to have newborns with chronic lung disease. Inflammation of the cord may allow inflammatory substances to enter the fetal circulation and damage the lungs.

Diseases, Infants (Newborn), Lung diseases, Inflammation, Neonatal diseases, Umbilical cord, Chorioamnionitis

---

Induction of antenatal periventricular leukomalacia by hemorrhagic hypotension in the chronically instrumented fetal sheep

Article Abstract:

Low blood pressure may be responsible for causing periventricular leukomalacia in premature babies. Periventricular leukomalacia is a brain disease that is a risk factor for cerebral palsy.

Physiological aspects, Brain diseases, Hypotension

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Antenatal thyrotropin-releasing hormone to prevent lung disease in preterm infants. Inhaled nitric oxide in preterm infants undergoing mechanical ventilation
• Abstracts: In vitro studies of the interactions between platelets and amniotic membranes: a potential treatment for preterm premature rupture of the membranes
• Abstracts: The diagnosis of thoracic aortic dissection by noninvasive imaging procedures. Nonsurgical reconstruction of thoracic aortic dissection by stent-graft placement
• Abstracts: Uterine myomas and factors associated with hysterectomy in premenopausal women. Guidelines to determine the role of laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy
• Abstracts: Prenatal prediction of neonatal outcome in the extremely low-birth-weight infant. Midtrimester urine human chorionic gonadotropin beta-subunit core fragment levels and the subsequent development of preeclampsia

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.