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A comparative analysis of informative value of transvaginal echography and transabdominal scanning was made when 86 pregnant females were investigated in the first trimester of pregnancy. It was established that transvaginal echography could provide the investigator with a more precise and earlier assessment of pregnancy development its initial stages. If transabdominal scannings informative value turned to be insufficient, the usage of transvaginal echography in the determination of pregnancy itself and pregnancy-associated complications was found mandatory.

Possibilities of prenatal echographic diagnosis of nonimmune hydrops fetalis are described. This diagnosis has been made in 16 fetuses between 21 and 40 weeks of gestation. Cardiovascular disorders were detected in 8 of the 16 fetuses. It is emphasized that purposive echocardiographic screening to detect congenital heart diseases and arrhythmias is essential in fetuses with nonimmune hydrops. Congenital fetal malformations combined with nonimmune hydrops justify termination of pregnancy, as antenatal or early neonatal death will occur in most such cases.

Findings of conventional sonography and Doppler studies at 34-41 weeks of gestation have been compared in 210 women. Uteroplacental and fetal blood flows were evaluated in intrauterine growth retardation syndrome. Sensitivity, specificity and predictive value of these studies were assessed for fetal vessels, umbilical artery, uterine arteries and fetal measurements. Obstetric and neonatal outcomes were analyzed in relation to hemodynamic abnormalities in the maternal-placental-fetal system.

An abstract of the article "Prenatal manifestations of left atrial isomerism," by M. Medvedev is presented.

An abstract of the article "Prenatal diagnosis of congenital high airway obstruction syndrome: Russian study of 9 cases," by N. A. Altynnik and M. Medvedev is presented.

An abstract of the article "Prenatal diagnosis of complete cerebellar agenesis" by M. Medvedev and O. Kozlova is presented.

Objective: To estimate the effectiveness of the three vessels view in prenatal diagnosis of congenital heart defects (CHD). Methods: A total of 44 904 pregnant women of low- and high risk for CHD were examined from 16 to 39 weeks and followed throughout their gestation between January 1994 and December 2000. Results: CHD were diagnosed in 249 cases, 169 (67.9%) were classified as major cardiac anomalies. The overall prevalence of CHD was 5.5‰. Out of 169 cases 130 (76.9%) were detected prenatally including 46 isolated CHD. The detection rate of isolated CHD was 63.9% (46/72). From 1994 to 1996 four chamber view was the only one obligatory plan of heart examination. For the next three years, we used four chamber view in combination with identification of outflow tracts. In 1999 the three vessels view became the standard test in screening program for CHD. The detection rate of CHD increased from 54.2% over the first period of time to 80.4% in 1997–98 and to 87.9% at the end of the study. In 2000, this index run up to 89.4%. The part of missed main vessels malformations decreased from 39% in 1994 to 20% in 2000. Conclusion: The three vessels view is an easily obtained scan of the fetal heart. This plane can simplify prenatal cardiac examination and appreciably increase the detection rate of CHD. The three vessels view should be an obligatory part of routine scanning for CHD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]