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Protocol and Guidelines for Point-of-Care Lung Ultrasound in Diagnosing Neonatal Pulmonary Diseases Based on International Expert Consensus
Published on: March 6, 2019
Management of fetal lung lesions
1Center for Fetal Diagnosis and Treatment, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. adzick@email.chop.edu
Insights
Prenatal diagnosis using serial sonography reveals the in utero development of fetal thoracic lesions. This aids in understanding their natural history and guides management based on prognosis.
Area of Science:
- Fetal medicine
- Pediatric surgery
- Diagnostic imaging
Background:
- Prenatal diagnosis offers crucial insights into fetal development.
- Thoracic lesions are a significant concern in fetal development.
- Congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation (CCAM) and bronchopulmonary sequestration (BPS) are common fetal thoracic anomalies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in utero evolution of fetal thoracic lesions.
- To define the natural history of congenital thoracic anomalies.
- To correlate pathophysiologic features with clinical outcomes for improved management.
Main Methods:
- Serial sonographic examinations of fetuses diagnosed with thoracic lesions.
- Longitudinal assessment of lesion development and characteristics.
- Correlation of prenatal findings with postnatal outcomes.
Main Results:
- Sonographic surveillance clarifies the natural progression of various fetal thoracic lesions.
- Identification of specific pathophysiologic features influencing prognosis.
- Established a framework for risk stratification and management decisions.
Conclusions:
- Prenatal diagnosis and serial sonography are vital for understanding fetal thoracic lesions.
- Knowledge of natural history and prognostic factors improves clinical management.
- This approach facilitates timely intervention and optimizes patient outcomes.
Abstract:
Prenatal diagnosis provides insight into the in utero evolution of fetal thoracic lesions such as congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation (CCAM), bronchopulmonary sequestration (BPS), congenital lobar emphysema, and mediastinal teratoma. Serial sonographic study of fetuses with thoracic lesions has helped define the natural history of these lesions, determine the pathophysiologic features that affect clinical outcome, and formulate management based on prognosis.
