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A Practical Prenatal Ultrasound Classification System for Lower Limb Anomalies-PRELLIM Classification
Arda Arduç1,2, Margriet H M van Doesburg3, Melinda M E H Witbreuk4
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
Objective:
To address the current lack of a prenatal classification system for fetal lower limb anomalies, we developed and evaluated the PRELLIM (PREnatal Lower LIMb impairment) classification.
Method:
A systematic literature review was conducted to identify existing classifications. Based on sonographic features, we developed the PRELLIM classification and applied it to a retrospective cohort of fetuses with isolated lower limb anomalies assessed between 2007 and 2024 at Amsterdam UMC's fetal medicine unit.
Results:
No standardized prenatal classification system for lower limb anomalies was found. PRELLIM distinguishes isolated and non-isolated anomalies and categorizes them into clinically relevant subgroups (absent/short, duplication, fusion, contracture, bowing and other). It was applied to 643 fetuses with isolated lower limb anomalies. Contractures were most common (n = 599; 93.2%), followed by poly(syn)dactyly (n = 26; 4.0%), reduction defects (n = 9; 1.5%), bowing (n = 5; 0.8%), and a case of sirenomelia (0.1%). Three additional cases (0.4%) were classified as "other": two lymphangiomas and one amniotic band with lower leg constriction.
Conclusion:
PRELLIM is the first prenatal classification tailored to sonographically detectable lower limb anomalies. It aims to enhance diagnostic consistency, improve interdisciplinary communication, and support prenatal counseling and decision-making.
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