Abnormal number of fetal ribs on 3-dimensional ultrasonography: associated anomalies and outcomes in 75 fetuses.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to describe the clinical importance of an abnormal number of fetal ribs.

Methods: A retrospective study of all fetuses that were found to have an abnormal number of ribs during routine ultrasonographic examinations was performed. Volume data sets of the fetal ribs were acquired by either static 3- or 4-dimensional volume contrast imaging in plane C.

Development of the fetal spinal cord: time of ascendance of the normal conus medullaris as detected by sonography.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to perform high-resolution sonographic examinations to determine the normal anatomic relationship of the conus medullaris (CM) of the spinal cord with the vertebral column during different stages of gestation.

Methods: In this prospective study, fetal sonographic evaluations were performed between 13 and 40 weeks' gestation. Transvaginal probes (7.

The influence of prothrombotic polymorphisms and obstetrical and medical variables on the length of secondary postpartum hemorrhage.

Objective: To determine if the presence of prothrombotic polymorphisms, such as factor V G1691A (factor V Leiden) or factor II G20210A, affect the length of secondary postpartum bleeding.

Methods: We conducted a prospective and blind study that enrolled primiparous healthy women following singleton pregnancy. Whole blood was taken for determining the presence of factor V G1691A or prothrombin G20210A by PCR and specific restriction enzymes.

The common prothrombotic factors in nulliparous women do not compromise blood flow in the feto-maternal circulation and are not associated with preeclampsia or intrauterine growth restriction.

Objective: In this study we evaluated the associations between common prothrombotic factors and increased blood flow resistance in the feto-maternal circulation, intrauterine growth restriction, small for gestational age, or preeclampsia.

Study Design: A prospective study was conducted in healthy nulliparous women with spontaneous singleton pregnancy. Blood was tested for the common prothrombotic factors, i.

Prenatal sonographic diagnosis of hemivertebra.

Objective: To describe our experience in prenatal diagnosis of hemivertebra.

Methods: This is a case series of patients referred to our tertiary medical center over a 3-year period. All fetuses were scanned by high-resolution real-time scanners.

Prenatal diagnosis of cavum velum interpositum cysts: significance and outcome.

Objectives: To describe a fetal cavum velum interpositum cyst (CVIC) and to review its clinical significance.

Methods: Description and follow-up of two cases with prenatal diagnosis of a midline cyst in the fetal brain, at the Chaim Sheba Medical Center. The cases were reviewed and followed-up by a multidisciplinary team that included sonographers, pediatric neurologists, pediatric neurosurgeons, radiologists, and clinical geneticists.

Serial in utero ultrasonographic measurements of the fetal thyroid: a new complementary tool in the management of maternal hyperthyroidism in pregnancy.

Objective: Treatment of maternal hyperthyroidism during pregnancy is complicated by the lack of readily available measures of the thyroid status of the fetus. The aim of this study is to describe the use of serial in utero ultrasound measurements of fetal thyroid in patients being treated for Graves' disease in pregnancy.

Methods: Over a 24-month period, all pregnant women with Graves' disease attending our special Fetal Thyroid Unit were followed.

Nonobstructive dilatation of the fetal bowel in twin gestations. A possible sonographic marker for fetal compromise.

Objective: To assess the possible association of in-utero bowel dilatation and circulatory changes with fetal compromise.

Methods: A retrospective survey of all ultrasound examinations was performed at the Chaim Sheba Medical Center (n approximately 10,000) between 1995 and 1999. Cases with ultrasonographic evidence of bowel dilatation, but without evidence of obstruction, were recruited.

Prenatal identification of esophageal atresia: the role of ultrasonography for evaluation of functional anatomy.

Objective: To suggest a new ultrasonographic approach for prenatal diagnosis of esophageal atresia (EA).

Methods: Since 1995, whenever EA is suspected, we perform a systematic multiplanar ultrasonographic scanning of the fetal upper body in order to demonstrate an esophageal pouch. This includes three image plans of the neck and upper chest: coronal, sagittal and axial views in the cephalic direction.

Echogenic bowel in intrauterine growth restriction fetuses: does this jeopardize the gut?

Objective: To investigate the association between intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) fetuses with echogenic bowel and high resistance in the umbilical artery and increased risk of developing neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis.

Methods: We analyzed two groups: group 1, singleton IUGR fetuses with echogenic bowel or reversed diastolic flow in the umbilical artery, and group 2, neonates who were diagnosed as having neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis. In group 1, the pulsatility index of the superior mesenteric artery and celiac trunk were determined.