One hundred and thirteen cases of polyhydramnios diagnosed by repeated ultrasonic examinations in singleton pregnancies were divided into two groups according to the trend of change in the amniotic fluid volume between the first and the second ultrasonic examination. Group A patients (65 cases) showed an increase or no change in amniotic fluid volume, and in group B (48 cases) a reduction in amniotic fluid volume to mild polyhydramnios or to normal amniotic fluid volume was observed. A significantly increased rate (p < 0.05) of maternal complications such as diabetes mellitus, pregnancy-induced hypertension, urinary tract infections, premature rupture of membranes and premature delivery was observed in group A. More abdominal deliveries and an increased rate of fetal anomalies, fetal abnormal presentations, intrauterine fetal death and neonatal death also occurred in this group. Group B patients, most of whom were idiopathic, showed a very favorable outcome.

Sonohysterography, or sonographic uterine cavity visualization by uterine cavity distension, may help to distinguish true endometrial thickening from other intracavitary pathological conditions, assuming the same sonographic appearance. We examined 1.5 women with a thickened endometrium (range 10-25 mm) in sonography performed for postmenopausal bleeding. Sonohysterography revealed a polypoid structure in seven women, a normal uterine cavity in four women, and a thickened endometrium in four women. All the women underwent hysteroscopic evaluation of the uterine cavity. Hysteroscopy confirmed the sonohysterographic findings in 14 women (93.3%). Hysteroscopic resection of the polypoid structure was performed while the other patients underwent diagnostic curettage. Histological examination of the seven polypoid structures revealed benign endometrial polyps in six patients, and one pedunculated submucous fibroid. In the patients undergoing diagnostic curettage, histological examination revealed three cases of glandular hyperplasia, one of cystic (atrophic) hyperplasia, and one of papillary endometrial adenocarcinoma. Two cases were inadequate for diagnosis. The advantage of sonohysterography in distinguishing endometrial thickening from intracavitary polyps or fibroids was clearly demonstrated. This technique can help in tailoring the correct treatment in various conditions presenting as postmenopausal bleeding.

Fetal renal anatomy was assessed in 660 apparently normal fetuses. The problems of technique of visualization of the kidneys are outlined. A correlation of fetal kidney length and gestational age is presented. The results are presented to be used as an adjunct in establishing fetal gestational age, as well as the assessment of normal renal morphology in routine obstetric ultrasound assessment.

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