Transvaginal sonographic fetal axis determination in early second trimester

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Fetal Medicine
• Diagnostic Imaging

Background:

• Accurate fetal axis determination is vital for diagnosing congenital anomalies, especially heart defects.
• Transabdominal echocardiography is established for fetal situs assessment in late second trimester.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the accuracy and reliability of transvaginal ultrasonography for assessing fetal axis.
• To compare transvaginal findings with established transabdominal methods.

Main Methods:

• 108 pregnant women in their second trimester underwent transvaginal anatomy scans.
• Fetal axis was assessed using the same technique as prior transabdominal echocardiography.
• Transvaginal findings were compared with previous transabdominal results.

Main Results:

• Complete agreement in fetal axis determination between transabdominal and transvaginal scans.
• Transvaginal scan accuracy was unaffected by maternal obesity, fetal position, or cardiac malformations.

Conclusions:

• Transvaginal ultrasonography is a reliable and accurate method for determining fetal axis.
• This technique offers a dependable approach for prenatal diagnosis of fetal malformations.