Ultrasonography (USG) is the primary method for antenatal fetal evaluation. However, fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has now become a valuable adjunct to USG in confirming/excluding suspected abnormalities and in the detection of additional abnormalities, thus changing the outcome of pregnancy and optimizing perinatal management. With the development of ultrafast sequences, fetal MRI has made remarkable progress in recent times. In this pictorial essay, we illustrate a spectrum of structural abnormalities affecting the central nervous system, thorax, genitourinary and gastrointestinal tract, as well as miscellaneous anomalies. Anomalies in twin gestations and placental abnormalities have also been included.
Serum chemistry studies and radiological examination of the lamina dura and phalanges were conducted in 50 pregnant women, 25 of whom had been administered calcium and vitamin D supplements during the 3rd trimester. The non-supplemented pregnant women showed significant hypocalcaemia, elevated serum heat-labile alkaline phosphatase activity, and resorption of the lamina dura. The supplemented group of pregnant women also showed resorption of the lamina dura, although the serum chemistry was essentially normal. It is suggested that, probably because of gestational hyperparathyroidism, mild resorption of the lamina dura may be a feature of normal pregnancy.
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