New ultrasound observations of fetal anomalies in the second trimester

Accurate prenatal diagnosis of fetal anomalies is essential for making decisions on pregnancy management options and for the determination of recurrence risk. However, the types of congenital anomalies that should be diagnosed using routine sonography are difficult to define. Factors that can affect the ultrasonographic detection of a particular congenital abnormality include equipment resolution, the time in gestation when the anomaly becomes apparent, and sonographer or sonolist experience. This review outlines the work that has been done over the past year to improve the detection rate of specific second trimester congenital malformations.