Search

Purpose: The fetal development of the mandible is nowadays quite understood, and it is already known that craniofacial growth reaches its highest rate during the first 5 years of postnatal life. However, there are very few data focusing on the perinatal period. Thus, the present article is addressing this concern by studying the mandible morphology and its evolution around the birth with a morphometric method., Methods: Thirty-one mandibles modelled in three dimensions from post-mortem CT-scans were analyzed. This sample was divided into two subgroups composed of, respectively, 15 fetuses (aged from 36 gestational weeks), and 16 infants (aged to 12 postnatal weeks). 17 distances, 3 angles, and 8 thicknesses were measured via the prior set of 14 landmarks, illustrating the whole mandible morphology., Results: Although this methodology may depend on the image reconstruction quality, its reliability was demonstrated with low variability in the results. It highlighted two distinct growth patterns around birth: fetuses mandibles do not significantly evolve during the perinatal period, whereas, from the second postnatal weeks, most of the measurements increased in a homogeneous tendency and in correlation with age., Conclusions: The protocol developed in this study highlighted the morphologic evolution of the mandible around birth, identifying a different growth pattern from 2 postnatal weeks, probably because of the progressive activation of masticatory muscles and tongue. However, considering the small sample size, these results should be thorough, so identification and management of anatomic abnormalities could eventually be achieved.

Purpose: To study the additional role of fetal skeletal computed tomography in suspected prenatal bone abnormalities., Materials and Methods: Two centers included in a retrospective study all fetuses who benefited from skeletal computed tomography for a suspected constitutional bone disease or focal dysostosis., Results: A total of 198 patients were included. CT was performed in 112 patients (56%) for an isolated short femur below the third percentile (group A), in 15 patients (8%) for bowed or fractured femur (group B), in 23 patients (12%) for biometric discrepancy between a short femur and increased head circumference (group C) and in 48 patients (24%) for suspected focal dysostosis (group D). CT was interpreted as normal in 126 cases (64%), i.e. 87% in group A, 0% in group B, 65% in group C and 25% in group D. When including only cases with postnatal or postmortem clinical and/or radiological confirmation was available, CT provided additional and/or more accurate information than ultrasound in 20% of cases in group A, 66% in group B, 30% in group C and 72% in group D. Sixty-seven percent of patients in whom CT was interpreted as normal were lost to follow-up., Conclusion: In isolated short femur, fetal skeletal CT is normal in the great majority of cases although protocolized follow-up of these babies is absolutely compulsory, as a large proportion is lost to follow-up. Fetal skeletal CT can confirm or improve imaging for the suspected diagnosis in suspected focal dysostosis or constitutional bone disease., (Copyright © 2014 Éditions françaises de radiologie. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: To study the complementary diagnostic value and role in the perinatal management of foetal MRI in the prenatal diagnosis of abnormalities of the urinary tract., Patients and Methods: Retrospective monocentric study from November 2002 to June 2011 of foetuses benefiting from an MRI after ultrasound diagnosis of uronephropathy abnormalities. Ultrasound and MRI data were compared with postnatal radiological and/or surgical data or with the foetopathology. The MRI analysis focused on the diagnostic concordance with the ultrasound, the complementary diagnostic contribution and/or a change in perinatal care., Results: Of the 154 MRI examined, a follow-up was obtained for 108 cases. The indications for MRI were classified into six groups: suspected renal agenesis (n = 20, 18.5%), posterior urethral valve (n = 20, 18.5%), reflux or megaureter (n = 14, 13%), uretropelvic junction syndrome (n = 24, 22.5%), enlarged kidneys (n = 7, 6.5%) and others (n = 23, 21%). The information supplied by ultrasound was confirmed by MRI in 72 patients (67%). MRI provided additional data for 36 patients (33%) and changed the perinatal care for 16 patients (15%)., Conclusion: Foetal uro-MRI is a useful complementary tool in the prenatal diagnosis of some uropathy abnormalities., (Copyright © 2014. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.)

Objective: To explicate the ontological statuses of both the fetus and neonate as a basis for clinical ethical judgments about the obligations of both physicians and pregnant women to protect the life and health of both the fetus and the neonate., Methods: Despite drastic changes in perinatology, there is still a legal separation between fetuses and neonates. Neonatal status remains specific because of the prohibition of 'transgressing human life'. Nevertheless, the concept of a 'prenatal human being' recently emerged. While new technologies blur the fetus/neonate borderline, why is it still legal in many European countries to terminate a fetal life in the late stages of pregnancy? One might even support the idea that what is authorized before birth should also be after, thereby 'fetalizing' neonates., Results: The 'personalistic' approach is against this 'fetalization', considering that terminating a neonate life is 'transgressive'. The 'utilitarian' model considers we cannot decide what is good for someone else, which justifies terminating the life of neonates who are not persons yet. A phenomenological view supports the ontological difference on our perceptions, differing whether we observe ultrasound fetal images or real neonatal pictures., Conclusion: This does not mean the weight of fetal images should be underestimated., (Copyright © 2011 S. Karger AG, Basel.)

Dysmorphology is the study of congenital malformations and anatomic variations of the individuals. Up to 2500 dysmorphic or malformative syndromes are described, most of them being characterized by mental retardation. Craniofacial dysmorphology may be the keystone of syndrome identification, although limb anomalies are sometimes important diagnostic clues. The advances of fetal imaging, particularly the development of 3D ultrasound techniques, allow a detailed analysis of the fetal face. Dysmorphology requires experience of rare syndromes and a perfect knowledge of normal facial appearance and variations. In utero, this approach must combine the skills of both a practitioner with expertise in fetal ultrasound and a pediatric dysmorphologist. Furthermore, facial changes have to be analyzed according to the context of the pregnancy and family history. Identification of patent facial anomalies may be a clue for the diagnosis of severe fetal syndromes and diseases. Conversely, when fetal malformations or abnomalities of the fetal growth are identified, a careful facial analysis can be proposed in order to rule out well-known syndromes with a poor prognosis. However, from an ethical point of view, parents should not be aware of a possible facial dysmorphism unless there is a precise diagnosis and options concerning the pregnancy., (Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Exponential improvements in imaging techniques over the last ten years, through patients' and physicians' wishes for less invasive fetal work-up, now allow us to better explore and understand fetal lung physiology during pregnancy. Diagnostic and prognostic consequences at stake are huge, especially for fetuses at risk of pulmonary hypoplasia. We will decline in three parts (normal lung, malformative lung and pulmonary hypoplasia), through a review of the literature and at the light of our experience, the potentialities and limitations of all imaging modalities (Ultrasound, Doppler, 3D, MRI). Then, we will dwell on future leads and the need for large-scale collaborative studies.

Exponential improvements in imaging techniques over the last ten years, through patients’ and physicians’ wishes for less invasive fetal work-up, now allow us to better explore and understand fetal lung physiology during pregnancy. Diagnostic and prognostic consequences at stake are huge, especially for fetuses at risk of pulmonary hypoplasia. We will decline in three parts (normal lung, malformative lung and pulmonary hypoplasia), through a review of the literature and enlightened by our experience, the potentialities and limitations of all imaging modalities (Ultrasound, Doppler, 3D, MRI). Then, we will dwell on future leads and the need for large-scale collaborative studies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]