Neural Tube Defects
Abstract Neural tube defects (NTDs) and hemivertebra represent major congenital abnormalities of the cranial vault and the fetal spine. NTDs are the consequence of a failed closure of the cranial…
Cerebellar Anomalies
Abstract The examination of the cerebellum is an integral part of prenatal second trimester ultrasound. During the examination the transcerebellar diameter, the size of the posterior fossa, and the presence…
Walker-Warburg Syndrome
Abstract Walker-Warburg syndrome is a rare, lethal congenital diffuse neurodysplasia, characterized by variable cerebral and ocular abnormalities. Cerebral abnormalities include ventriculomegaly, encephalocele, and Dandy-Walker malformation. Other features include varied ocular…
Vascular Cerebral Anomalies
Abstract Cerebral vascular anomalies are uncommon but serious abnormalities with a high risk of mortality. In this chapter, we discuss venous (aneurysm of the vein of Galen and dural sinus…
Omphalocele
Abstract Omphalocele is a result of a full-thickness midline defect of variable size that allows herniation of fetal bowel or liver or both into an amnioperitoneal sac at the level…
Abdominal Cysts
Abstract Fetal abdominal cyst are rare and usually detected in the second or third trimester. Usually they are isolated findings. The most common lesion is the ovarian cyst. Ultrasound is…
Echogenic Bowel
Abstract Fetal echogenic bowel (FEB) is often a benign finding during second trimester ultrasound. It is defined as one or more areas of bowel that are as bright as nearby…
Biliary Anomalies
Abstract The fetal biliary tract can give rise to congenital abnormalities, including biliary atresia, choledochal cysts, and gallstones. They are amenable to prenatal diagnosis but can be challenging to recognize….
Fetal Hepatic Calcification
Abstract Fetal hepatic calcifications are present in less than 1% of pregnancies. They may be associated with aneuploidy and fetal/placental viral infections. When isolated, they are usually benign. This chapter…
Intestinal Obstruction
Abstract Numerous pathologic processes can alter the development of the fetal intestinal tract. Cystic or echogenic fetal intraabdominal findings warrant detailed study of the gastrointestinal tract. In this chapter, we…
