Abstract
Ultrasound imaging can identify congenital anomalies prior to birth, but the sensitivity and specificity of this diagnostic technique in pregnancy are unknown. We have prospectively followed 172 pregnancies referred on the basis of abnormal ultrasound findings to a multidisciplinary program for evaluation and management of fetal anomalies. Our evaluation included repeat ultrasound examinations by sonologists specializing in fetal diagnosis. Our interpretation disagreed with the referring diagnosis in 41 cases (23%); we felt 27 were normal and 14 were abnormal but with a different diagnosis. Ultrasound revealed additional abnormalities in 46 cases (27%). Ninety-five percent of the diagnoses made by the program were confirmed at delivery. However, in 48 cases (28%), additional, unanticipated anomalies affecting either prognosis or therapy were also present. These included abnormalities previously reported as recognizable on ultrasound (i.e., congenital heart defects) and abnormalities unlikely to be seen (i.e., ambiguous genitalia). These results indicate that ultrasound diagnosis of fetal anomalies by experienced sonologists can be highly accurate in a referred population. Because this technique may be insensitive to some associated anomalies, management of abnormal pregnancies requires utilization of all available diagnostic modalities in both prenatal and postnatal periods.
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Manchester, D., Manco-Johnson, M., Clewell, W. et al. 1302 SPECTRUM OF FINDINGS IN PREGNANCIES WITH SUSPECTED FETAL ANOMALIES. Pediatr Res 19, 327 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198504000-01326
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198504000-01326