Aim
To establish reference ranges for fetal mandibular markers in low‐risk singleton pregnancies between 11 and 13 + 6 weeks of gestation in a Chinese population.
Methods
The inferior facial angle (IFA), transverse, and anteroposterior diameters of the mandible, and mandibular length were measured at 11–13 + 6 weeks of gestation. The utility of these sonographic markers for detecting micrognathia was explored in seven fetuses.
Results
In healthy fetuses at 11–13 + 6 weeks, there were linear correlations between gestational age and the transverse (Y = −15.615 + 1.987X, r = 0.718, p < 0.001) and anteroposterior (Y = −8.557 + 1.101X, r = 0.581, p < 0.001) diameters of the mandible; mean ratio of the anteroposterior: transverse diameters of the mandible decreased with gestational age (Y = 0.603–0.003X, r = 0.018, p = 0.755); there was a positive correlation between crown rump length and mandibular length (mandible length = 0.861 + 0.137*crown rump length; r = 0.723, p < 0.001); and there was a positive correlation between crown rump length and IFA (r = 0.234, p < 0.05). Reference ranges were: mean ratio of anteroposterior diameter: transverse diameter of the mandible 0.56; mean mandibular length 9.05 mm; and median IFA 66.5°. The values for these mandibular markers in seven cases of fetal micrognathia were outside the normal range.
Conclusions
Evaluations of fetal mandibular markers during first trimester ultrasound screening may contribute to the early detection and diagnosis of micrognathia. We recommend obtaining a subjective impression of the mandible on the mid‐sagittal view routinely used to measured nuchal translucency, followed by targeted objective measurements on the mid‐sagittal and axial views in suspected cases.
SynopsisThe establishment of a multidisciplinary consultation system is necessary for the diagnosis of complicated fetal anomalies.PurposeWe aimed to investigate the incidences of different types of fetal anomalies and the influence of multidisciplinary consultation on fetal prognosis.Patients and methodsMultidisciplinary specialists include obstetricians, pediatricians, pediatric surgeons, and experts of ultrasound department and genetic counseling. Consultation was done if the fetal ultrasound examinations showed abnormality. Follow-up, assistance, and guidance for the fetus were achieved by phone calls.ResultsUltrasound screening showed that the incidences of central nervous system anomaly and genitourinary anomaly were 25.80% (275/1,066) and 22.05% (235/1,066), respectively. The detection rates of fetal anomalies were 5.07% (54/1,066), 36.12% (385/1,066), and 58.82% (627/1,066) in pregnant women with gestational age of <20, 20–28, and >28 weeks, respectively. In addition, the fetal cerebral ventriculomegaly accounted for 40.73% of central nervous system malformation, while 71.43% cases with fetal cerebral ventriculomegaly were alleviated during the follow-up period. The proportion of hydronephrosis in genitourinary anomalies was 50.64%, and the remission rate of hydronephrosis was 67.23% during the follow-up period.ConclusionThe establishment of a multidisciplinary consultation system is necessary for the diagnosis of complicated fetal anomalies. The central nervous system anomaly and genitourinary anomaly are the most common fetal anomalies. In addition, the remission rates of cerebral ventriculomegaly and fetal hydronephrosis are high during the follow-up period.
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