No abstract

What are the novel findings of this work? We describe a new sonographic sign, the 'superimposedline' sign, for evaluation of the fetal secondary palate in early gestation on two-dimensional imaging of the vomeromaxillary junction in the midsagittal view. What are the clinical implications of this work? Inclusion of this sign during the routine nuchal translucency scan should improve screening and early detection of secondary palatine clefts. This sign also facilitates evaluation of cleft extension into the secondary palate when a defect in the premaxilla is identified.

A new, high resolution, pressure-sensitive insole was tested and found to provide reproducible measurements of static and dynamic plantar pressures inside the shoe of normal test subjects under certain conditions. However, calibration between separate sensors was poor and the sensor pads showed significant wear with use. This system was also used to investigate the effect of heel wedges on plantar foot pressure to determine whether this system was sensitive enough to detect the effect of a gross shoe modification on plantar foot pressure. Medial heel wedges decreased plantar pressures under the first and second metatarsals as well as under the first toe, and shifted the center of force laterally in all portions of the foot. Lateral heel wedges decreased pressures under the third, fourth, and fifth metatarsals, increased pressures under the first and second metatarsals, and shifted the center of force medially in all portions of the foot. Our evaluations indicate that it is possible to measure static and dynamic plantar foot pressures within shoes and to study the possible effect of shoe modifications on plantar pressures in controlled gait trials.

No abstract

The study demonstrates that evaluation of the palate can be done at the 11 to 14 week scan based on 2D markers and can also be assessed with 3D sonography. The inclusion of 2D markers in all 3 planes increases the sensitivity for detection of palatine clefts.

Background: Pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH) is associated with adverse perinatal outcome. Multi vessel color Doppler studies are useful in these cases for timely intervention. The aim of present study was to know the significance of umbilical, middle cerebral and uterine artery Doppler studies in PIH and to analyse its role in predicting perinatal outcome.Methods: This was a prospective study of 106 singleton pregnancies in the third trimester with PIH. The results of last Doppler ultrasound within one week of delivery were used for analysis. Adverse perinatal outcome was studied in the form of emergency cesarean section for fetal distress, meconium stained amniotic fluid, Apgar at 5 min <7, NICU admission and perinatal mortality (stillbirths and neonatal death). Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) and diagnostic accuracy of various Doppler parameters were calculated after comparing with standard.Results: In the present study specificity and diagnostic accuracy of all Doppler ultrasound parameters was high in predicting adverse perinatal outcome. Cerebroplacental ratio showed highest specificity (98.55%), PPV (94.44%) and diagnostic accuracy (80.19%) in predicting adverse perinatal outcome and it is better than MCA PI and UA PI alone. Uterine artery Doppler evaluation also gives additional information in predicting adverse perinatal outcome.Conclusions: Amongst various Doppler parameters cerebroplacental index (MCA/UA PI) is best predictor of adverse perinatal outcome.

No abstract

Cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) is a rare kind of ectopic pregnancy implanted in the previous cesarean scar and has an increasing incidence over the past 30 years. As the suspicion is low, the diagnosis may be delayed or misinterpreted in ultrasound, leading to treatment strategies that might end up in uterine rupture or hysterectomy. The objective here is to review the ultrasound findings in CSP with varied presentations. Transabdominal and transvaginal sonography combined with color Doppler is a reliable tool for the diagnosis of CSP. When the gestational sac is seen in lower part of the uterine cavity, differentiation between threatened miscarriage, cervical pregnancy and CSP could be difficult. Not all cases of CSP present with typical ultrasound findings and a high index of suspicion is needed for diagnosis in these cases. An attempted curettage or MTP pill taken in an undiagnosed CSP often alters the typical findings. The possibility of CSP should also be considered in cases presenting with abnormal uterine bleeding and have a prior history of cesarean section. With lack of awareness about this condition, the diagnosis can often be missed either with MRI or in ultrasound. Correct interpretation and timely diagnosis save the mother from life-threatening complications and also preserves future fertility.