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The radiology of stillbirths and neonatal deaths
British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
|August 1, 1984
Insights
Whole body radiographs proved useful in diagnosing conditions in 16% of infants who died within their first month. Diagnostic utility was highest in cases of dwarfism and external malformations.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal imaging
- Pediatric radiology
- Forensic pathology
Background:
- Infant mortality remains a significant concern.
- Accurate diagnosis of stillbirth and neonatal death is crucial for understanding causes and preventing future occurrences.
- Radiographic imaging can provide valuable insights into skeletal and organ development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the diagnostic utility of whole body radiographs in stillborn infants and those deceased within the first month of life.
- To determine the effectiveness of radiography in identifying specific conditions, such as dwarfism and external malformations.
Main Methods:
- A consecutive series of 488 infants (stillborn or died within the first month) underwent whole body radiography.
- Autopsies were performed on 378 of these infants.
- Radiographs were assessed for diagnostic usefulness.
Main Results:
- Overall, radiographs were considered useful or diagnostic in 16% of cases.
- Diagnostic utility was 100% in infants with dwarfism.
- Radiographs were diagnostic in 40% of infants with external malformations and 9% of those without external malformations.
Conclusions:
- Whole body radiography is a valuable diagnostic tool in the evaluation of stillborn and neonatal deaths.
- Its utility is particularly high in cases involving skeletal abnormalities like dwarfism and external malformations.
- Radiographic examination should be considered in the post-mortem workup of deceased infants.
Abstract:
Whole body radiographs were made in a consecutive series of 488 infants who were either stillborn or died within the first month of life; autopsies were done in 378. The radiographs were considered to have been useful, or diagnostic in 16% overall, in 100% of infants with dwarfism, in 40% where there were external malformations; and in 9% where there were no external malformations.