Prenatal diagnosis and fetopathological investigation of dorsolumbosacral agenesis.

Sacral and lumbosacral spine agenesis, as characteristic signs of a rare congenital malformation--caudal regression syndrome--has been well described. However, dorsolumbosacral agenesis involving the lower thoracic, lumbar, and sacral vertebrae has rarely been reported, and prenatal diagnosis of this severe form has not been published yet. A 37-year-old woman (gravida 2, para 0) who had diabetes mellitus asked for termination of her pregnancy, because second-trimester ultrasound screening showed dorsolumbosacral agenesis of the fetus.

Risk of chromosome abnormalities in the presence of bilateral or unilateral choroid plexus cysts.

Objectives: To evaluate the rate of chromosome abnormalities in cases of uni- and bilateral choroid plexus cysts (CPCs).

Methods: A total of 10,875 ultrasound (US) examinations were performed in the second trimester, and 435 cases with CPC (4%) were found. After genetic counseling, 45 patients decided not to undergo karyotyping.

Contraction stress testing for primary foetal surveillance by stimulated endogenous oxytocin release.

A test for uteroplacental insufficiency based on the idea that a given maternal-foetal unit could be tested by decreasing intervillous space blood flow, offers an individual test for each foetus. Clinically, the use of uterine activity to decrease intervillous space blood flow is the most practical. Following Freeman's suggestion, authors use an endogenous oxytocin test, where the oxytocin discharge is induced by nipple stimulation (EOS).