Magnetic resonance imaging of the normal placenta.

The goal of this study was to provide a representative description of the normal placenta with contrast medium-free magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in order to determine a standard of reference. One hundred consecutive singleton pregnancies were investigated by MRI without application of a contrast medium. The mean gestational age (GA) at the time of investigation was 29.

Feto-amniotic shunting -- experience of six centres.

Aim: Foeto-amniotic shunting is an ultrasound-guided, therapeutic intervention for drainage of persistent intracavital fluid retention in severely affected foetuses with a high risk of mortality. In order to weigh up the comparatively high risk of intervention against the possible benefit, we evaluated the value of different indications, the complication rate and the time span of drains in situ.

Patients And Methods: We made a survey of all level III ultrasound centres of German-speaking countries from 1993 to 2001.

Prenatal magnetic resonance imaging as a useful adjunctive to ultrasound-enhanced diagnosis in case of a giant foetal tumour of the neck.

Large cervical masses in the prenatal period are rare and can cause life threatening situations after birth. All available diagnostic techniques should therefore be used to determine the best mode of delivery in the case of such malformation. A large cervical mass was detected by ultrasound in a 41-year-old women, gravida 4, para 3, at 29 + 5 weeks of gestation.

The clinical impact of magnetic resonance imaging in fetuses with central nervous system anomalies on ultrasound scan.

Objectives: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed on fetuses with sonographically diagnosed central nervous system (CNS) anomalies to determine frequency and type of cases in which fetal MRI adds clinically relevant information.

Patients And Methods: Forty-three cases presenting with CNS anomalies by ultrasonography were investigated by MRI. The potential effect of MRI on parental counseling and pre- or postnatal management were the main endpoints.

Subtelomeric rearrangements as neutral genomic polymorphisms.

Submicroscopic chromosomal rearrangements affecting telomeres are important aetiological contributors to the development of mental retardation. Results from over 2,500 analysed patients with mental retardation demonstrated that about 5% have a subtelomeric aberration. However, some subtelomeric rearrangements have no phenotypic consequences.