Related Experiment Videos
Diastematomyelia: prenatal ultrasonic appearances
R K Winter1, L McKnight, R A Byrne
1Department of Radiology, Singleton Hospital, Swansea, Wales.
Clinical Radiology
|May 1, 1989
Summary
Prenatal ultrasound can detect in-utero diastematomyelia by identifying specific spinal abnormalities. Early detection of this congenital condition allows for timely postnatal management and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Medical imaging
- Pediatric neurology
- Prenatal diagnosis
Background:
- Diastematomyelia is a congenital spinal malformation.
- Accurate prenatal diagnosis is crucial for effective management.
Observation:
- Four cases of in-utero diastematomyelia were analyzed.
- Specific ultrasonic features were identified for diagnosis.
Findings:
- Characteristic findings include localized widening of posterior ossification centers with a central echogenic focus on coronal scans.
- Absence of posterior defects or soft tissue masses on transverse scans is noted.
Implications:
- Widening of posterior ossification centers can occur without overt spina bifida.
- Prenatal detection enables early postnatal investigation and treatment of diastematomyelia.