Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 8, 2026
08:04
Murine Fetal Echocardiography
Published on: February 15, 2013
17.3K
Fetal Hepatic Hemangioma Diagnosed in Utero Using Doppler Microvascular Imaging
Masato Yokomine1, Takashi Horinouchi1, Toshiyuki Yoshizato1
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kurume University School of Medicine.
The Kurume Medical Journal
|May 19, 2024
Summary
This study highlights the successful in utero diagnosis of a fetal hepatic hemangioma using superb micro-vascular imaging. Prenatal imaging findings guided postnatal treatment, reducing perinatal mortality risks.
Area of Science:
- Medical imaging
- Fetal medicine
- Pediatric surgery
Background:
- Fetal abdominal tumors pose diagnostic challenges during pregnancy.
- Early detection and characterization are crucial for optimal fetal and neonatal outcomes.
Observation:
- A massive fetal abdominal tumor with abundant blood flow was identified at 33 weeks' gestation.
- Superb micro-vascular imaging revealed diverse Doppler signals within the tumor, including diffuse, linear, and shunt flow.
- A 'centripetal fill-in' pattern was observed, suggestive of a hepatic hemangioma.
Findings:
- The fetus developed heart failure at 37 weeks' gestation.
- Postnatal imaging confirmed a hepatic hemangioma with a progressive centripetal fill-in appearance.
- Kasabach-Merritt syndrome was also diagnosed in the neonate.
Implications:
- Superb micro-vascular imaging enables accurate prenatal diagnosis of fetal hepatic hemangioma.
- Integrating prenatal imaging findings into postnatal management strategies can improve perinatal outcomes.
- This case underscores the importance of advanced imaging in managing complex fetal conditions.
