Diagnosis of human fetal abnormalities by fetography

Being able to detect fetal abnormalities that may be associated with hydramnios would be extremely useful, especially when diabetes mellitus, Rh isoimmunization, and multiple pregnancy are ruled out. For this purpose the new technique of fetography, consisting of injecting a small amount of 2 radioque media (liposoluble and hydrosoluble), was used. Four out of 6 fetuses were correctly predicted to be abnormal. They were 1 case of esophageal atresia, 1 of suspicious chromosomal abnormality (after birth it was confirmed as having the Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome), and 2 of trisomy 18. It is felt that this simple technique should be used as an aid to the obstetrician faced with the problem of determining the basis of unexplained hydramnios.