[Prenatal ultrasonographic evaluation of fetal limbs anatomy and fetal limbs malformations using a systematic continuous sequence approach].

OBJECTIVE

To review the value of ultrasonographic evaluation on fetal limbs anatomy and malformations in prenatal diagnosis using a systematic continuous sequence approach (SCSA).

METHODS

Successive 4,932 prenatal ultrasonographic evaluation during gestation aging 14 - 40 weeks from August 2000 to September 2002 entered the present review. SCSA was applied to scan each limb of the fetus respectively.

RESULTS

The anatomic structures of the four limbs of the fetus were clearly displayed and correctly recognized on ultrasonic images using the SCSA in 4 750 cases (96.3%). Ninety eight limb malformations of 34 fetuses were correctly diagnosed (87.2%). Whereas 16 malformations of 5 fetuses were missed to recognize (12.8%). The diagnoses were confirmed after subsequent labor or induced labor. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive and negative predictive values were 87.2%, 99.8%, 99.2%, 81.0% and 99.9%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The majority of fetal limb structures and malformations can be clearly demonstrated on prenatal ultrasonic imaging using SCSA. SCSA for prenatal ultrasonographic evaluation of the fetal limbs is a reliable and accurate diagnostic modality so far as the skills become more sophisticated.