Composite assessment of gestational age: a comparison of institutionally derived and published regression equations.

Objectives: This study was undertaken to evaluate (1) the applicability of previously reported regression equations for gestational age assessment to our patient population in Pittsburgh and (2) whether the addition of radius length or its substitution for one of the other fetal measurements could improve the prediction of gestational age.

Study Design: Five fetal parameters--biparietal diameter, head circumference, abdominal circumference, femur length, and radius length--were measured in a prospective cross-sectional study of gestational age assessment in 265 pregnant women between 13 and 43 weeks' gestation.

Results: The regression equation derived for each fetal parameter was found to be quite similar to previously published reports.

Role of transvaginal sonography in the diagnosis of bilateral renal agenesis.

Bilateral renal agenesis with lethal pulmonary hypoplasia, characteristic facial abnormalities, and limb deformities is a relatively common congenital defect. However, it is rarely diagnosed antenatally because of the virtual absence of amniotic fluid. We report the use of transvaginal sonography in diagnosing two cases of bilateral renal agenesis antenatally.

The spontaneous resolution of cystic hygromas and early fetal growth delay in fetuses with trisomy 18.

The spontaneous resolution of cystic hygromas in fetuses with trisomy 18 may be due to a delay in lymphatic-vascular anastomosis. The severity of growth delay with trisomy 18 appears to be variable in time of onset and extent.

The transverse cerebellar diameter in the second trimester is unaffected by Down syndrome.

Cerebellar hypoplasia is a consistent finding in necropsy studies of children and adults affected by Down syndrome. The transverse cerebellar diameter was measured in 23 second-trimester fetuses with Down syndrome. All the measurements were within the normal range for gestational age.

Intraluminal bladder calcifications: an antenatal sign of an enterovesical fistula.

Anorectal agenesis is usually associated with a fistula to the bladder, urethra, or vagina. The sonographic detection of a meconium concretion in the fetal bladder strongly suggests the presence of an enterovesical fistula.