We demonstrated the linear relationship between mandibular growth and gestational age or BPD. In addition, we validated the jaw index as an objective tool for diagnosis of micrognathia in the fetus.
Ventricular septal defect can undergo spontaneous closure during intra-uterine life and this process depends upon the site and the size of the defect. These data may provide useful additional information to aid prenatal counseling.
We have confined that more than half of the fetuses with DS bear a CHD, which is an AVSD in 44% of cases. Conversely, 43% of fetuses with an AVSD have trisomy 21. For VSDS, the situation is controversial, due to the relatively low detection level of this heart defect at the routine mid-trimester obstetric scan.
The high association rate with extracardiac and chromosomal anomalies (29.3% and 25.9%) and the possible progressive prognostic deterioration require a multidisciplinary team for correct management and follow-up. Survival of fetuses with certain CHD is severely reduced, in comparison with postnatal figures, for the common association with aneuploidies.
TDI evaluation of the fetal heart is feasible and reproducible. Color-TDI is able to identify the various phases of the cardiac cycle. Quantitative evaluation of myocardial velocities has shown also in the fetus the existence of the myocardial velocity gradient found in postnatal life.
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