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Sonograms and radiographs of the lumbar spine in 51 fetuses and neonates with thanatophoric dwarfism, achondroplasia, and osteogenesis imperfecta type II were retrospectively evaluated. Study data included 27 prenatal and 27 neonatal sonograms and radiographs in 40 fetuses and neonates and 11 cases described in the radiology literature. To precisely compare the sonographic and radiographic appearances of platyspondyly in dysplasia, a simple vertebral ratio was obtained from measurement of vertebral interspace and vertebral body height. Normal ranges were obtained from sonograms in 125 normal fetuses and from radiographs in 55 normal fetuses. The severe platyspondyly of thanatophoric dysplasia and the milder platyspondyly of achondroplasia were detected by about 20 menstrual weeks. The vertebral bodies appeared slightly larger on sonograms than on radiographs in both normal fetuses and fetuses with dysplasia.

The kidney is one of the most common organs in which cysts develop. A wide variety of renal diseases may have cysts of the kidney associated with them, including hereditary, developmental, and acquired disorders. Renal cysts may arise from any part of the nephron or the collecting tubule and may be located in the cortex, medulla, or both. Classification is often difficult, because the cysts often resemble one another. Sonography has become increasingly useful in the diagnosis of pediatric renal cystic disease and in evaluation of fetal renal abnormalities in utero and can help narrow the differential diagnosis.

STUDENT EXCELLENCE LITERATURE REVIEWHigh resolution ultrasound has allowed increased definition and detailed study of the fetal thorax. From the second trimester, congenital anomalies arising from or involving the fetal chest can be visualized. Early detection and diagnosis of fetal intrathoracic abnormalities are rapidly becoming an integral part of modern obstetrical care and neonatal management. The potential exists to diagnose most intrathoracic anomalies before the 20th week of pregnancy.Although multiple fetal anomalies may be present, fetal lung condition can be a major determinant of fetal viability. Early sonographic detection and assessment of fetal thoracic anomalies are vital for the proper management of pregnancy, delivery, and neonatal treatment. The pleural, pericardial, and. peritoneal cavities are distinct by the second and third trimesters allowing in utero sonographic diagnosis of many pulmonary structural and functional conditions that influence fetal survivability and neonatal outcome.Pulmonary hypoplasia, pleural effusion, cystic adenomatoid malformation, pulmonary sequestra-

The fetal kidneys and bladder are usually visible by 15 weeks' gestation on sonograms. The authors present their experience with the diagnosis of renal abnormalities in the fetus.