Related Experiment Videos
Prenatal diagnosis of methotrexate embryopathy
Jeff B Chapa1, Judith U Hibbard, Elyse M Weber
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA. jchapa33@yahoo.com
Background:
Methotrexate is an antineoplastic agent used by obstetrician-gynecologists for termination of early pregnancy. The drug is not always successful and is associated with a known array of malformations.
Case:
We present a case of a failed pregnancy termination with methotrexate, which resulted in fetal anomalies. Ultrasound revealed absent or markedly shortened long bones, abnormal positioning of the hands, micrognathia, echogenic bowel, and a two-vessel umbilical cord. The patient elected to undergo pregnancy termination, and the ultrasound findings were confirmed at autopsy.
Conclusion:
Because of methotrexate's teratogenic potential, follow-up to confirm successful termination is necessary. Ultrasound evaluation of the fetus is indicated if pregnancy termination is unsuccessful.