An abnormal screening ultrasound: concordance with a tertiary obstetrical ultrasound unit

To determine concordance of ultrasound diagnosis in referrals to a tertiary obstetrical ultrasound unit (TOU) for suspected abnormalities.

Consecutive referrals for "abnormal outside ultrasound" during a 6-month period were compared with the TOU ultrasound diagnosis. Concordance of diagnosis was compared on the basis of organ system involved and referral for single or multiple suspected abnormalities. Chi(2) analysis was used; p < 0.05 was considered significant.

Of 104 consecutive referrals reviewed, 42 (40.4%) had no abnormality documented at the TOU. Of the 62 abnormal ultrasound scans at the TOU, 78.3% were concordant. Concordance based on organ system involvement was central nervous system, 30.3%; cardiothoracic, 66.7%; gastrointestinal, 63.6%; genitourinary, 50%. Referrals for a single suspected anomaly were statistically no more likely to have a normal TOU ultrasound scan (40.4%) than those referred for multiple suspected anomalies (36.4%, p > 0.05).

Most referrals to a tertiary center for "abnormal outside ultrasound" will be diagnosed with an abnormality.